Starlight Adina de Zavala and the Making of a Patriotic Supersite

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CAST1 Adina De Zavala Family: 1. Adina De Zavala 2. Father: Augustine De Zavala 3. Mother: Julia De Zavala 4. Sister: Mary Catharine De Zavala. 5. Spiritual Counselor: Sister Flavienne 6. Hapless suitor of Adina De Zavala: John Williams The Governors and Officers of the Law: 7. Governor S.W.T. Lanham 8. Governor Oscar Colquitt 9. Governor Thomas Mitchell Campbell 10. Male Secretary to Governors 11. Sheriff John W. Tobin of San Antonio 12. Policeman 13. Reporter (Female). The Zavala Chapter of the DTR 14. Carrie Kemp 15. Ella Godoy 16. Jennie Fey Lytle

The Driscoll Chapter of the DRT: Officers 17. Clara Driscoll 18. Mrs. Mary Smith Jones (Old). 19. Mrs. Cornelia Branch Stone, 20. Mrs. Florence Eager

Ancillary Roles: 21. Gustave Schmeltzer (Alamo Grocery Owner) 22. De Zavala Family Lawyer, Cousin Henry 23. Locksmith 24. J.W. Darlington

1 In 2017 we had 61 scenes, and 14 actors. There were 4 males and 10 females. The cast assumed 24 characters: 7 were male, and 16 female. The script was 68 pages long. In 2018 we had 49 scenes. 14 actors again: There could be 5 males, and 9 females. The 2018 cast assumed 20 characters: 9 would be males, 11 females. There is also a need for 2 extras. The script was 80 pages long.

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Part I: Who will Adina Be? Scene 1 : The Theme

INT. BLACKSCREEN – CONTINUOUS SCREEN shows verses in white text.

NARRATOR (unseen)

“Those who are wise will shine with the brightness of heaven, and those who lead others to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. Daniel 12:3.

“In the consecrated life . . . Christ’s faithful propose to follow Christ more nearly.” Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraph 4, Section 916.

Scene 2: The Zavala Family in their San Antonio Home: 1894 EXT. Front Porch at night. Start in BLACKSCREEN, First show text:

WHITE TEXT ON DARKSCREEN

San Antonio, Texas 1894. Home of Adina De Zavala

Establishment shot of the big picture of the porch--and nearby homes if appropriate. Zoom in. CAMERAS take reaction footage of Adina De Zavala and parents. All are sitting. Julia could be knitting. Adina is drinking coffee. ADINA DE ZAVALA

Solicitous, to her very ill father.

Daddy, what are you looking at?

AUGUSTINE, FATHER Ailing. Looking up off the porch, He coughs. Says wistfully.

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. . the beautiful star! Cutaway shot to star. This is a symbol for Adina, throughout the film. Camera then focuses on father. His eyes light up as if to reflect its twinkle. Slowly looks at Adina. Reminds me . . . of You. . . darlin. JULIA, MOTHER Looks at the would-be star without bothering to focus on it. And probably one that could join with another bright star, and become really bright. ADINA DE ZAVALA Sarcastically. O yes, and make many more stars . . . more descendants of Abraham.2 Drinks a sip of coffee (she is a coffee addict). Mother, I know how you think. When you mention a possibility, for the millionth time, you think it will come true. JULIA, MOTHER Well I am just wondering, if suitor number 15 might just find an excuse to drop by. ADINA DE ZAVALA Mother, it’s not fair. John is your friend. And he is simply dazzled by the idea that grandfather was the first Vice President of Texas. JULIA, MOTHER He is a widower, but he has means (nods to indicate the guy is loaded). A little disappointed. Then speaking in a sotto voce (whisper), as if giving away her thoughts.:3 Of course, if you give him an emphatic ‘No’, I am sure he can find . . . someone else. ADINA DE ZAVALA At least two times louder than her mother.

2 Allusion to Genesis 15:5. 3She also knows her husband’s life has been one of steady economic dissipation, that his illness and death will be another tax on the family’s wherewithal. Adina appears to her foolishly poised not to marry, when someone like John Williams could guarantee the family’s standard of living.

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I have given him an emphatic ‘No’. JULIA, MOTHER Shhhh! Motioning like she wants no such talk before Augustine, and then another need to be hushed” Oh someone is here! Looks around. Why come up (to the porch) Mr. Williams! JOHN WILLIAMS Shakes hands warmly with Augustine. Sir! Takes Julia’s hand. Mrs. Zavala! Julia motions with the other that he take a seat which he does. Is my favorite family all accounted for on this fine evening? ADINA DE ZAVALA Mary is painting inside; I am here only in spirit. JULIA, MOTHER Adina, Mr. Williams told me he had written a poem yesterday! ADINA DE ZAVALA I’m afraid my mind is a little too distracted to follow Mr. Williams’ fine verses this evening. JULIA, MOTHER Disappointed Oh, you are in such an ill humor. JOHN WILLIAMS Don’t let me abuse my welcome. Perhaps I could come back some other time. Williams stands up again.

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JULIA, MOTHER Mr. Williams you will do that. She stands up and grabs his arm. It is wonderful that you a man of business, have taken the time to add beauty to our everyday thoughts. Please, John, come back . . . tomorrow night at this time. Mary will eagerly await the chance to give her learned reaction, and as for Adina . . . she will . . . Looking sternly at Adina Give you an honest reaction to your poem!

Scene 3: At the Convent INT. Night. Wall if possible has a cross, and there is a statue of a saint on a table with a candle. SISTER FLAVIENE Adina, the joys of a consecrated life are great. ADINA DE ZAVALA I do feel consecrated Sister Flaviene. SISTER FLAVIENE Without taking the vows of a holy order? ADINA DE ZAVALA Sister Flaviene, My father is dying, the world of my grandfather, Lorenzo, is dying . . I have a debt to repay . . . to the whole tradition that has made my life possible. SISTER FLAVIENE Waits a second, winks, lights a candle for a saint, and tries to be gentle. God made your life possible . . . ADINA DE ZAVALA I know. I know. Gives Sister Flaviene a look as if to say, “yes, that remains part of the picture.”

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You are a great teacher. The children love you. The Church needs you. Consecrate yourself . . . and ADINA DE ZAVALA Turns away. Sister Flaviene, you are overwhelming me. I cannot say ‘no’ . . . but neither can I say ‘yes’! Camera gives close-up of Adina, obtaining “flashes of light” in her eyes. Scene 4: John Williams’ Poem INT. Parlor. Night if possible. Mary, Julia, and Adina are present. Williams standing, presenting poem. Women sitting.

JOHN WILLIAMS

Oh help me bear the truth with unselfish love. O Moderate drinker, why do you shorten life? Why do you transmit the alcoholic tint to your offspring? Why do you pollute the helpless babe, profaning motherhood? Casting off that pearl of self-control Disdaining the one who wants only one day to rise up And call you blessed!

MARY CATHARINE Effusive. Starry eyed.

O John, . . . . that was beautiful! It almost makes me cry

I wish my Edward were here. . . He needs to hear this!

JULIA, MOTHER John, . . . you are a wonderful poet, and a wonderful friend.

JOHN WILLIAMS Why thank you Mrs. Zavala.

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JULIA, MOTHER I just think you are someone a woman could really trust with her whole life and soul. Eagerly, and innocently: What do you think, Adina? ADINA DE ZAVALA I think, Mr. Williams, there is a false melodrama, perhaps some cloying sentimentality. Didn’t Jesus, Paul and the Psalmist and all our blessed Popes all use wine? MARY ZAVALA Adina, you are so critical of others! What about your own imperious desire for coffee? Mr. Williams is in the spirit of the laws for temperance and perfection that are sweeping the nation. The past is not always worth preserving.

Scene 5: Father Augustine Dies, 1894. INT. HOME. 8PM Evening. Sister Flaviene continues to cycle through the Hail Mary, until stopped by Augustine: SISTER FLAVIENE Hail Mary full of Grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mother, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death . . . AUGUSTINE Dying. But almost like he is also wishing Sister Flaviene might stop. uhhhhhhh JULIA Pulling away from the dying man, and sitting in a corner so he won’t hear. I need help. I need help. I need help. This reminds me of Florence and Zita’s death. I don’t know if I can . . . MARY Oh Mom. Hugs mother.

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SISTER FLAVIENE With a raspy voice ministering to the dying one. Hail Mary full of Grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus . . . AUGUSTINE Grips Sister Flaviene’s hand and stares as if something is wrong. Sister Flaviene reluctantly gives way, realizing her 300th Hail Mary is beginning to bother Augustine. Julia attends to him. JULIA He wants Adina. Why does he want to say something special to Adina? Augustine, tell me, what is it. Adina isn’t here! But we’ve sent her a telegram. MARY I know one of the reasons why Adina is in Austin, has something to do with some conversation those two have been having. SISTER FLAVIENE Resumes her attention on Augustine. Holds Augustine’s hand again. Turns to Augustine. The Lord bless you and keep you JULIA Goes to bedside: O Augustine! We are here for you, and Adina is here in spirit. Scene 6: Two Sisters: Mary Catharine, and Adina. The Zavala Land Claims, and Adina’s Coffee Addiction. INT. Anytime. Adina helps herself to a cup of coffee. Mary could be working on a portrait, knitting. ANDINA DE ZAVALA Why are you encouraging Mr. Williams like this? That is so wrong what you said last night! MARY CATHARINE You know, you once described the “Twin Sisters,” the two canon from Cincinnati used in the Battle of San Jacinto as “handsome” . . . yet you never describe the men who court you as handsome.

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ANDINA DE ZAVALA Mary, I think the difference between you and me is . . . you spend a lot of time thinking about men, whereas I spend a lot of time thinking about . . . well, what should be most glorious . . . MARY CATHARINE The only problem is, I don’t think you can marry what is most glorious. ANDINA DE ZAVALA Sister I want to tell you something, I have not shared with anyone. MARY CATHARINE Eagerly wanting to know. Draws closer to her sister. Is it something about our family land? ANDINA DE ZAVALA Mary, I have made a firm resolve. A virgin I have always been and shall remain forever, no earthly love shall come between My God and me-No, never! MARY CATHARINE Somewhat shocked by the finality of this. Sister why are you creating your own jail? Curious. Have you told Mom about this? ANDINA DE ZAVALA Not yet. I know she’s terribly worried about finances, and even regards my latest friend, John, as the answer to her prayers. Pours herself more coffee. MARY CATHARINE Are you joining the convent? ADINA DE ZAVALA Camera zoom in. Catches Adina shaking her head, “no” with closeup, but looking committed. Other camera catches Mary Catharine looking bewildered. Producer toggles different reactions.

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Screen Wipe with passage of time. Mary is still up and writing a letter. Mary would speak into mic at another time, and be seen merely writing the letter. Fountain pen? The camera could even show part of the letter. Dear Edward. It is tough to tell what is going on with a sister I do not understand, and parents who can’t hold on to money. You have asked about my family background many times. Grandfather Lorenzo, of course, was a great man. He was a governor of Yucatan4 in Mexico for many years. He wrote a famous history of Mexico. He joined the Texas Revolution to oppose his archenemy Santa Anna. He became the first Vice President of the newly declared Republic of Texas. Lorenzo acquired a major headright, and he left assets in New York City and Texas. Unfortunately Edward, I come now to part of the story we have told few. I share this with you because . . . I trust you completely, miss you completely. . . I ask you never to repeat it. But Lorenzo . . . was also a base man, to the eternal shame of our family. This is one reason why our affairs are complicated. Strange to say, he sired one son out of wedlock, Henry, who is serving as our lawyer. He lives in New York, but often comes to Texas. Scene 7: Mother Julia, and Mary. Getting By. INT. Anytime. Mother and daughter folding laundry. Mary as if to escape flees to poetry. MARY CATHARINE Are you finally ready to listen to my poem now? MOTHER JULIA Perhaps if John, or Adina were here, they could help you more. MARY CATHARINE The problem is that John will love it, and Adina will hate it. But it expresses how I feel . . . it has to do with Edward’s beautiful ring which he gave me before going to Australia. Flashes the opal in the ring. MOTHER JULIA Please say it to me then.

4 Pronounced Yoo-keh-TAN

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MARY CATHARINE May read it, but with great expression. O beautiful opal, my fiery gem Exquisite pleasure to me Foretelling all sorrows, loves, and joys Holds the ring out. I would sing a song to thee. When some sweet surprise awaiteth me Thou Flashest the brightest fire Again thou wearest a dull, dead hue Telling of evils dire. When the love of my heart is thinking of me Becomes a little emotional. Thy colors brightest are And thou has blazed they brightest hue Pauses. Since my love has gone afar. Breaks into ambiguous weeping. One Camera. Zoom in Closeup of Mary. JULIA O my, . . . Shakes her head. one daughter doesn’t seem to like men; and the other’s true-and-only beau lives on the other side of the earth. Straightens up. I wish in the meantime that you and Adina could publish your lovely poems and make some royalties. As it is, you might have to sell your lovely ring!

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Scene 8: Adina’s DRT votes to accept auxiliary members5 INT. Anytime. Parlor Meeting of Women. Adina could have coffee cup.

WHITE TEXT ON DARKSCREEN

Meeting of the San Antonio Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. San Antonio 1897

ELLA GODOY In an impassioned rant:

I joined this organization back in 1889 with Adina. We have always been proud Texans. Since we joined the state chapter in 1893, certain secretaries in Houston have been henpecking me to death. They want me to prove that my grandfather was an early citizen of the Lone Star Republic. Well the story is, that he was in Nacogdoches. Then the whole family was forced off his land . . .

CARRIE KEMP Miss Godoy, I don’t think the state organization is opposed to women becoming patriots. Its just that the Daughters of the Republic of Texas is what its name implies, an organization for those descendants of the original Lone Star Texans.

ELLA GODOY Carrie, they accepted us in, and they have accepted our dues. Now they want to tighten requirements. CARRIE KEMP Wanting proof is not a wanton project, at least in my book. ELLA GODOY Checks herself. She almost says “Mexican.”

5 This makes her group more odious to high class women who are actually descended from Texas heroes

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It is, when your ancestors were . . . Spanish.6 CARRIE KEMP There must be records! ELLA GODOY Not when your family was kicked out of Nacogdoches illegally, and contrary to the letter and spirit of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. ADINA De ZAVALA

Women, let’s pause a little bit here. . . its my fault. We started before the DRT, and I should have been more careful when we decided to join our state association.

Scene 9: 1897 Letter from Former Governor Oran Roberts INT. Daytime. Bedroom. Julia storms into room. Adina is making bed. Mary is painting. JULIA Oh, we have a letter from a Strains with her glasses. . . Oram Riberts?7 ADINA Impatiently. That’s Oran Roberts, our former Texas Governor! He is answering my request! MARY Read it. Read it! Adina tries to read it in an entertaining manner to mother and sister. She frequently looks up to establish eye contact with them.

6 At this time in American history, ‘Mexican’ was acquiring the unsavory connotation of not only being anti-Texan, but anti- Christian, and anti-Capitalist. The Mexican Revolution of the early-twentieth century indeed persecuted the Church, and carried an anti-gringo sentiment. Upper-class Americans referred to upper-class Mexican-Americans such as Adina De Zavala thus as “Spanish. There was a racist aspect to this. At the same time that whites kept blacks from voting, they regarded the average Mexicans as Indians, another inferior racial stock. The way around this was to call upper class people of Mexican descent “Spanish.” 7 The TSHA began in February of 1897 on the campus of the University of Texas. Roberts, one of the organizers, would die one year later in May of 1898.

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ADINA Dear Miss De Zavala. I regret the long lapse it has taken me to answer your letters. I am at the age where time is more precious than gold. Also, it was heartening, to meet you formally at the first meeting of the Texas State Historical Association in Austin this past February. Thank God for the two lanterns that allowed us to see. My regards to you for your attendance at that meeting. My congratulations too for your support of that foremost patriotic upholder of liberty, The Daughters of the Confederate States of America! God bless the memory of your father, Augustine! He fought for that noble cause! I also am a great admirer of your grandfather Lorenzo De Zavala. His generation also risked their lives against a tyrant to assure the blessings of freedom. As to your family’s land claims, there was a law in the Mirabeau Lamar years that revoked the patent you have in mind. I am sorry to tell you this. But I must advise such a charming young lady as yourself that you would do best to contemplate your future family, rather than your past one. Certainly, there must be a very eligible suitor for you. If you will allow me certain rights to trespass on your impatience, I vow to remain forever, your most dutiful servant. Oran Milo Roberts. Cameras zoom in. Stare in close-ups to the bewildered looks of the women—a slight sense of wounded anger in Julia, anguish with Adina, and astonishment with Mary. All convey mounting danger.

Part II. The Struggle Scene 10: Zavala’s Chapter. The Idea of the Alamo INT. Room. Anytime. Adina is standing. We will try to simulate a formal meeting, which will account for the rhetoric sounding more rehearsed, precise, and impassioned.8 ADINA De ZAVALA As if she is answering an argument that has already been made, and is pleading. I was even born and lived my early years next to the great battlefield of San Jacinto where the dictator, Santa Anna was defeated, by Sam Houston and many of our

8 These ideas are very important for bringing out the Zavala viewpoint, and how, from the standpoint of Mexican-American Catholics, the “Alamo” was again worth sacrificing for.

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ancestors. My father’s recent will, shows we might even have land there. Yes, I know San Jacinto achieved the independence of Texas. But sisters, it is the Alamo here in San Antonio that we must truly sanctify. We will teach future generations to glorify this defeat. Hence we will glorify self-sacrifice. We will justify lives given for others, rather than plunder gained for ourselves. We and future generations hence will uplift the golden altar ornament of crucifixion. The story of Alamo will begin to teach future generations the true story of love. CARRIE KEMP Steps to the front. Adina steps back to her seat. The chair is allowing a row of speakers to present ideas. Adina, dear, are we still living in . . . Texas? No one did anything to celebrate the Alamo on its 50th birthday! Looks serious. Says the word, ‘Mexican’ with contempt. I am hearing some very strange things. As I understand it, Miss Zavala wants us to purchase the Alamo’s Long Barrack not to destroy it, but to commemorate it as a place of defeat and death. Becoming very indignant. My God, Miss Zavala, are we to buy a whole series of crumbling Spanish edifices so that you can place crucifixes all over the place? Maybe we could paint the interior of all these buildings blood red? Maybe we should go the whole way and have a Mexican Day of Dead spectacle, with sugar skulls and pagan altars! Wins a nervous laugh from Jennie Fey Lytle. Ellas Godoy now assumes the front. ELLA GODOY

Thank you, Madam Chairman, for letting me speak. Thank you Mrs. Kemp for your honesty. I don’t know if it can be done, but I agree with Adina wholeheartedly. The Alamo stands for a magnificent spirit of sacrifice, and freedom.

Becomes emotional.

My Spanish ancestors sacrificed their homes . . . in the Texas Revolution. Before that, they sacrificed a child here, and a child there, their livestock and valuables to live on the frontier. Before that, they sacrificed what few silver coins they had to build the

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Alamo Convent which later became the Long Barrack, and the Alamo Chapel, in addition.

Now more unflinching. I, for one, vow to help Adina secure the Long Barrack, the former Convent, the place where the Alamo’s brave defenders actually died, from the Schmeltzer Grocery interests. Our sacrifice will be but a routine chore compared to the terrors known to our ancestors. We need a Great Alamo Memorial, composed of both the Barrack and the Chapel, to honor the ideals that Miss De Zavala has so nobly championed.

MARY De ZAVALA Raises her hand, is recognized by Godoy, but irreverently, staying seated.

Well sister, you have my vote too, but I’m a little worried about your own penchant for holocaustic self-sacrifice. I wonder if you’re going to become like one of the Alamo defenders trying to do all this.

CARRIE KEMP Seated now as well. Jennie, could I impose on you to ask what you think of this? JENNIE FEY LYTLE Comes to the front. More diffident. Speaks haltingly and is nervous.

Thank you, Mrs. Kemp, and Mrs. Godoy. Sisters, I am not sure I follow Miss De Zavala, and her learned discourse. I do know that my husband is not a very sentimental person. But as a San Antonio businessman he is interested in the goals that Adina has discussed. As you know, he has contributed a good deal . . . to our general fund . . .

Forgets what she has to say, and gets out a piece of paper.

Oh excuse, me Ladies. I don’t like to speak. But I can see it is very important . . . that I do . . .

Regains her composure .

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We may all interpret the the Alamo differently. But we should do everything to make this place great and glorious. This is our city. Let us pass on what is most important to our children!

Scene 11: Adina meets with Cousin Henry, the Lawyer

INT. Daytime if possible. By desk of Henry if possible. Establishment shot of Henry. Zoom in.

HENRY DE ZAVALA Cousin, I do appreciate the meticulous search you have made in favor of the De Zavala claims.

ADINA DE ZAVALA Is there hope, do you think?

HENRY DE ZAVALA As a New Yorker shows a hint of condescension toward Texas

Any country that goes through five governments in 50 years is going to be indecisive. Any democratic country facing thousands of conflicting land claims from overeducated homesteaders with guns--well its going to have a lot of indecision. It’s the same old thing, Texans hate the past, especially their great Spanish past. But once they kill the distant past, they’ll want to kill the recent past, and they’ll end up with what they deserve, anarchy.

ADINA DE ZAVALA

Well thanks for the lecture Mr. New Yorker, but what does that mean for my family?

HENRY DE ZAVALA

Your family? Am I not your uncle?

ADINA DE ZAVALA Trying now to mollify him, but only somewhat.

Henry, you know very well, you are my half uncle or something like that.

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HENRY DE ZAVALA Irritated.

Look you are asking for help. Why do you continue to regard my mother as a common prostitute?

Scene 12: Henry shows he is in the game for the Zavala land, not friendship. EXT. Daytime on porch. Henry writes a letter, and speaks thus: The Camera shows him writing. My dearest young bride, Loretta. I earnestly hope my trip here to San Antonio is worth it. My father’s accident late in life to have me out of wedlock has led to other mishaps. It seems he paid for my education, so I could sort out his unusual dealings. My cousin, Adina, thinks she has a lot of land coming to her. She might. But we could actually qualify for much of it. Even if we don’t win it, my bill for these services probably will vex her. Yes I would like to leave this forlorn place. But there must have been something more for Texas’s Second Vice President, and however illegitimate I might have been, I am the male heir who most deserves it.

Scene 13: Adina makes pitch to Gustave Schmeltzer, the brother of Hugo, of the ‘Wholesale Groceries’ firm occupying the Barrack. INT. Working Hours. Office and desk if possible. Establishment shot of Gustave. Zoom in. ADINA DEZAVALA Mr. Schmeltzer, Yes, a good business needs a modern building. Can you promise me that when you sell, that you will give the San Antonio Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, the first right, to buy? GUSTAVE SCHMELTZER Starts laughing uncontrollably. Bends down. Turns away, Returns to her. Looks increasingly triumphant. Ha, ha, ha, ha. Vhy young lady, are you avare of za times, and what buildings kost in downtown San Antonio? In some vays I almost hate to educate you ethereal maidens. Especially in za vays of za vorld.9 ADINA DEZAVALA

9 Trying to produce here, a German accent. About one-third of San Antonio at this time was either German-born, or the children of German immigrants.

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Well I had thought . . . GUSTAVE SCHMELTZER You are looking at a bill of no less zan $70,000.10 Looks at her coolly. ADINA DEZAVALA The leading ladies of our organization are married to leading men of the city. GUSTAVE SCHMELTZER And, who are you married to, again? ADINA DEZAVALA I have chosen not to be married. But I am the grand-daughter of Texas’ First Vice President, Lorenzo De Zavala. GUSTAVE SCHMELTZER I didn’t realize ve ever had a Mexican Vice President. ADINA DE ZAVALA Yes there were several men of Spanish blood who fought under Sam Houston. GUSTAVE SCHMELTZER Where do you live? ADINA DE ZAVALA . . . that is up in the air right now. My grandfather’s sizable headright and possessions are still in the picture.

GUSTAVE SCHMELTZER Makes a grunt or nasal sound, indicating annoyance. Sits. Writes something in his book. Probably something that has nothing to do with Zavala. He is becoming impatient, and remains seated. Writes a little more, and without looking at Adina. Suddenly blurts . . . Look. Za State has za chapel, vhy do you want to preserve our venerable building? ADINA DEZAVALA

10 It would actually be over $75,000.

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Your building, the former Long Barrack, the former convent of San Antonio de Valero, was where William Travis and the others actually died defending our freedom. GUSTAVE SCHMELTZER Lights a cigar, even though it could be offensive. He now clearly is working on something other than Zavala’s offer. He is becoming more and more objectionable, as if to drive her off. Pardon me, for my pernicious vice here (indicating his smoking habit). I shtill don’t understand vhy you must have zis ancient building. Just decorate za Chapel! ADINA DEZAVALA We want space to cherish, the sacrifice. Mr. Schmeltzer. You too, in the spirit of that sacrifice, could help us out a little more . . . GUSTAVE SCHMELTZER Don’t expect me to be za super-patriot when you can’t even convince our state’s best patriots to pony up za money. . . . Scolding I can, I belief, give you za first right of purchase, vith a limited time frame. ADINA DEZAVALA O Danke Schoen,11 Mr. Schmeltzer. Thank you! Now here is the contract. GUSTAVE SCHMELTZER Stares at it, and it impressed: Hmmm. Blank spaces for the price. Payment options. Very professional. OK, I shall study zis. Scans it. If it bears out our understanding, I shall sign it. Adina kneels so that they are again eye to eye. Thank you! Thank you! Mr. Schmeltzer. Thank you! And for your generosity in keeping us in mind, I present you this poem on the Alamo . . . She gives him a framed poem.

11 Say DANK eh schern. (German, for ‘thank you’.)

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which we have embossed, and put in this frame, that you might take pride in this very true act of patriotism! Schmeltzer looks dubious Scene 14: Adina and Clara Driscoll Exchange Letters (1902) INT. Two rooms. CROSS-CUTTING SCENES. Both are seen writing letters with voiceovers. Cinematographers and Producer should work together to make sure the film has cutaways to photos of the Schmeltzer Grocery abutting the Alamo appear during this discourse. ADINA DEZAVALA Dear Miss Driscoll: Daughters of the Republic of Texas refer to you as an outstanding Texas Patriot. No wonder! Your direct ancestors, whose spirit lives in you yet, demonstrated a sublime rank of legendary courage. We the members of the San Antonio Chapter of the Daughters of the Texas Revolution have resolved to sanctify the Alamo. But the enclosed photographs show our predicament. The Schmeltzer grocery is overwhelming this sacred site! We therefore must buy, when the grocer, Mr. Hugo Schmeltzer sells.

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The store has a gaudy superstructure and sign over the Long Barrack. This robs the scenic Chapel of its beauty--and value. Miss Driscoll, we beg you! Help us acquire the Schmeltzer building! Our chapter has raised $20,000. I will stake my presidency to empty that entire purse at the project. If you can help us, we will work unremittingly to reimburse you. Surely the state or someone will grasp what has become a patriotic necessity. CLARA DRISCOLL Dear Miss Zavala: I received your letter after making stops at the Roman Porta Nigra in Trier, and the Medici Palace in Florence.12 Your goal to visually dramatize the Alamo is a noble desire. Now I cannot be frivolous with my family’s estate. The spirit of commercial avarice too often corrupts the intentions of charity. Nor am I convinced that the Schmeltzer Long Barrack deserves preservation. The stone chapel definitely needs to be set apart. I might suggest a larger park around the chapel with rare flowers and fruit trees, providing blossoms that would commemorate the lives of Texas patriots though the months of the calendar and in the years to come.

12 PORE-tah NEEG-rah in TREEER and the Med-EECH-ee

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Scene 15: Adina and Clara Meet (1903) EXT. Morning. To be filmed at the Alamo Chapel Facsimile in Mount Vernon, Texas. Begin with establishment shot of entire Alamo Chapel facade, zooming in to Adina who is waiting outside the Alamo. John comes in walking as if to work. JOHN WILLIAMS Adina, how amazing to run into you- and before our favorite site! ADINA DEZAVALA John . . . ?! Uncomfortably. Looks into his eyes. On some level, she appreciates his interest, and acts surprised. Imagine seeing you here. JOHN WILLIAMS Has an idea for a possible rendezvous. I was just thinking how pleasant it would be . . . ADINA DEZAVALA Turns aside to look. John pauses. Sorry, John, I have been waiting for a Miss Driscoll, and . . . Pauses, distracted, almost entertaining the possibility of conversing with Williams. Speeds up utterance. I believe I can see her now! Walks toward Driscoll. Looks behind her. ADINA DEZAVALA John, nice to have seen you. See you later! Waves Williams good-bye. I think this may be her. Walks away from him. John is left in the lurch and leaves. Miss Driscoll, I presume! CLARA DRISCOLL And you must be Miss Zavala. Thank you for meeting me outside our venerated Chapel.

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Driscoll turns around to the building. Cutaway: Camera zooms out to take it in, and then in on the women The two shake hands. CLARA DRISCOLL Looks around. O dear, there are no benches. This is still so unlike Paris! ADINA DEZAVALA Don’t worry, I have brought a blanket, and some lemonade. Adina spreads out the blanket on the lawn, and opens the jar, sharing it with Clara. Screen wipe, indicating the passage of time. Cinematographers can break at this point. I have heard such good things about you! CLARA DRISCOLL I appreciated your letter and sense of public spirit. ADINA DEZAVALA I have heard that you are a writer, and have been to every country in Europe! CLARA DRISCOLL Takes a slurp. But one gulp is enough. It is not the best lemonade from her standpoint. I confess that I have been duly favored by my father, Robert, one of the richest men in Texas. We are from Corpus Christi. Both of my grandfathers fought with Sam Houston at San Jacinto. My fiancé, Henry Sevier, is also from south Texas, and is a member of the Texas legislature. ADINA DE ZAVALA I feel like I am about to faint with joy. You, Miss Driscoll are the answer to my most fervent prayer. CLARA DRISCOLL Nervous. What do you mean? ADINA DEZAVALA I mean that if my life can serve to preserve this cradle of . . . sacrifice. Raises hands to building behind her.

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that is, Talks faster. the twin buildings of the Alamo, the Chapel and the Long Barrack, it will be well spent. I cannot but dream at this instant that God has chosen you for this task. Miss Driscoll, you alone have the patriotism and the assets to close the Schmeltzer deal. Believe me, I will labor for the rest of my life to insure that you are paid back in full. CLARA DRISCOLL

What gives you this resolution? ADINA DEZAVALA Miss Driscoll, Love ‘as sacrifice’ is the highest good. It is what our Savior did. It was what our forefathers at the Alamo did. Pointing to the building.

This is nothing less than a shrine of our best and most noble virtue. CLARA DRISCOLL Smiles at Adina’s enthusiasm in a droll, upper-class way. Yes I only wish we knew more about its history. For example, what did other noncombatant women such as Juana Melton, the socalled brave woman with the umbrella, as she is known, who counseled the other women about Santa Anna, and Maria Esparza think? We only hear what Susanna Dickinson had to say. ADINA DEZAVALA I have always wondered about Victoriana de Salinas and her three daughters. Someone, somewhere must have their tale. I have a theory that she was from the same family who contributed liberally to the San Antonio de Valero mission, what the Alamo was called before the 1790s. CLARA DRISCOLL Raises an eyebrow for De Zavala’s flawless knowledge and recall.

My, I am impressed. ADINA DEZAVALA Gushing, and trying to dominate with mirth and eye contact.

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And I am so impressed with you! I hear that you too are a writer, working on the story of the Alamo, just as I am. In fact, I know that your mother’s name also is Julia, and so is mine! And you are a Roman Catholic. . . and I am too! Scene 16: SWT Lanham Meets with Clara and Adina (1904) INT. Daytime. Could be office or parlor. The bearded Governor, is in a rough circle of seats of the big three—Lanham, DeZavala, and Driscoll. They are having tea/coffee. Lanham is “old school,” laid back, and expansive. He is also trying to shave off the price the state must pay for the Schmeltzer land. The scene commences with all the participants firmly settled as if the conversation had been going on for some time. ADINA DE ZAVALA Governor Lanham, if I may ask, I know you came to Texas just after the Civil War. Did you first settle in Weatherford near Fort Worth? GOVERNOR SAMUEL LANHAM Well, when I first came to Texas, a young buck, about 40 years ago, I had just married Sarah. She was pretty as a peach! Nineteen of us, mind you, made the move from South Carolina--on old farmer’s wagons. For two years I tended to the switch and the speller in a school-house near Clarksville, Texas in Red River County. Woooo those scholars would ruffle your feathers! Then we moved to Weatherford, where I studied law, and first entered politics. CLARA DRISCOLL Miss Zavala here also has taught school, at Terrell, near Dallas. GOVERNOR SAMUEL LANHAM Well that reminds me of another story. . . .uh His memory can’t quite produce it, so Driscoll interrupts him. CLARA DRISCOLL Governor. . . The real point of this meeting is: Can the state reimburse us? My husband assures me that the State representative Sam Ealy Johnson will spearhead a bill to cover the costs. We are about to purchase what the state desperately needs. We have the $85,000 to effect the transfer of the Schmeltzer building in San Antonio to the state of Texas. The gaudy Schmeltzer business must discontinue its lethal embrace of our venerable Alamo. We need this purchase to enthrone this instrument of education for future generations of Texans. All will be much edified, The Alamo Chapel will teach, and re-teach the story of the battle for freedom that occurred here.

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GOVERNOR SAMUEL LANHAM The shadows of the few of us who yet remain are lengthening in the sunset of our days. But from the promontory in which I view my experience, I am so touched and impressed by you, Miss Driscoll . . . and you too, Miss Zavala. As Daughters of the Confederacy, you work to insure that the torch of liberty continues to shine. The conceptions you both have of your own particular family’s patriotic lineage here in Texas is vast. It resembles the sublime awareness known to the family of Cato in Roman times, or the Davidic dynasty in Jerusalem. At the same time, the knowledge that you two ladies have of the Alamo exceeds, I am convinced, that of the entire male race! Chuckles. Miss Driscoll, on behalf of the State of Texas I wish to heartily assure you, and Miss Adina also, that if you can for the time being, purchase the land around the Alamo Chapel, with the intention of saving it for the edification of future generations of Texans, I will make two promises: Pauses for effect, and to make sure all are listening. The first is that I will labor to insure that the state of Texas reimburse you ladies ...... $65,000 for this impressive act. The second is that I will support the motion that the organization you lead, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, will have the exclusive right to administer this site. CLARA DRISCOLL Governor Lanham, we thank you for your golden promises and your kindest regards! I do note that there is, however, a $20,000 difference between the price we are about to pay, and what you are promising to yield. This also ignores a $7,500-Option-for- Payment fee that I have absorbed, and will absorb gladly for the sake of Texas. Both my husband, and Mr. Johnson have assured me that the state has the $85,000 needed to cover the acquisition. GOVERNOR SAMUEL LANHAM This is true, Miss Driscoll, and I appreciate you bringing this up. In life, we sometimes must labor with the truth. I have learned that our soundest discretion and patriotic judgement as public servants must be brought into requisition. We cannot expect the poor farmers of Texas to comprehend the bombastic price codes of our cities. I am afraid to say that even the figure of 65 thousands sounds alien to the ears of most. Even this figure is a brave offer, and only due to unexpected savings. So now, Miss Driscoll, Is this agreeable. Do we have a deal?

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Smiling, Lanham looks on patronizingly. Driscoll is resigned but quick in reply. CLARA DRISCOLL Well . . . thank you Governor . . . (cooly looking him over) yes we do. She extends her hand and shakes that of Lanham’s GOVERNOR LANHAM Continuing to hold and shake her hand. I am delighted Miss Driscoll. As a representative of Texans everywhere, I thank you for your abiding patriotism! This agreement, I am sure, will also fix in people’s minds the spirit of sacrifice that you have so nobly exuded. Governor turns to shake Adina’s hand, which he also holds and shakes anomalously long. ADINA DE ZAVALA Governor Lanham, from the bottom of my heart I thank you, and I pray to God for your abiding welfare, and good fortune. GOVERNOR LANHAM Oh and it is so good to meet the granddaughter of Texas’s first Vice President! Thank you and your San Antonio group also for your financial contribution, and your willingness to administer the Alamo. . The women leave the room, and then in an outer hallway remark to one another: CLARA DRISCOLL Unimpressed and with a professional air. That old man is such a coward. ADINA DEZAVALA Raising arms from side to side as if she will not be denied a hug. O Clara, I know what you mean. I just saw much of my organization’s cash reserves vanish, and we will definitely strain to keep our promise to split the difference with you on the extra costs. But I can hardly constrain the song in my heart. The Alamo is ours to rear, and treasure! Sees her friend is not quite as enthusiastic. Of course, without your resources and influence, this wondrous day, this magnificent meeting could never have occurred!

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Adina, overcome with emotion, forces the hug with the more standoffish Clara.

Scene 17: SWT Lanham and Governor’s Assistant Meets with Reporter (1905) over plan to sign over administration of Alamo to Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT) INT. The reporter and the Governor’s Secretary take copious notes. GOVERNOR SAMUEL LANHAM The State of Texas has always revered the great site of the Alamo. But in this new century, our veneration impels us to beautify this fabled ground. The new bill passed by the legislature with my full support reaffirms our commitment. We have promised to reimburse our patriotic benefactor, Miss Clara Driscoll, and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, $65,000 for buying the land adjacent to the Alamo. All should know that the state readily could have paid the $92,500 it actually cost to secure this site. We have spent much. But we have saved much. We mean always to conduct the affairs of our state in an economical manner. Finally the bill entrusts the beauty of this great estate, to our state’s greatest managers of beauty, our fair women. The Daughters of the Republic of Texas, of which our benefactor, Clara Driscoll, is a member, will exercise custodial rights. SECRETARY Could we clarify this Governor? Are we saying that the State of Texas has entrusted the Alamo to a single organization of ladies for generations to come? GOVERNOR SAMUEL LANHAM Gentlemen, if I had not been convinced by the astounding knowledge, patriotism and resources of these women, I never would have supported this bill. REPORTER Governor, I have heard it said that the state has already invested in the San Jacinto Battlefield, and it was there that the 50th anniversary of our great Texas Revolution was duly celebrated. Are we switching priorities as a state? Why this sudden infatuation for the Alamo? GOVERNOR SAMUEL LANHAM

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Texans espouse liberty as no other people on earth. We constantly renew our acquaintanceship with this ideal. Both the battles of the Alamo, and San Jacinto commemorate our sacred passion. REPORTER One final comment, Governor: some Confederate veterans’ groups object to such expenditures by the state to commemorate the minor defeat suffered at the Alamo. GOVERNOR SAMUEL LANHAM The Alamo was a token of greater glory. When we sow with blood for liberty, the harvest is always great. The Alamo was a most important offering that taught us these truths for the wars to come. Even defeats on behalf of liberty establish later advantages.

Scene 18: Cornelia Branch Stone, and Clara Driscoll Conspire. INT. Preferably late afternoon tea. Parlor. CORNELIA BRANCH STONE Clara, you have done more for Texas than any woman in the history of our state! CLARA DRISCOLL Thank you Cornelia. Some in my family have even given me grief for this. CORNELIA BRANCH STONE The only problem is. OK, we the Daughters of the Republic of Texas now administer the site. (sarcastic) Wonderful. But the only actual group in place to do that is . .

Well you know the San Antonio chapter of the DRT is very different. They have that long-winded savant in that chapter, whose scribblings are making me . . . . well . . . you know that Adina De-whatever-her-name is. CLARA DRISCOLL Well, frankly, Cornelia , you should be upset with me. I was the one who enabled this purchase of the land around the Alamo, by absorbing the option costs. That’s what is going to make it a great site, and why it is going to give you Houston women some competition in terms of our state priorities. CORNELIA BRANCH STONE

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No Clara, you are fabulous. Our Houston ladies laud your benefactions. They don’t mind superintending the San Jacinto site, and leaving other projects to the women elsewhere. CLARA DRISCOLL Well, what’s the problem then? CORNELIA BRANCH STONE I think what we all resent is . . . the propaganda we are hearing. This head of the San Antonio chapter, seems to want women in the DRT whose ancestors may have even been on the other side. . . into our organization! How are we going to commemorate our patriotic ancestors, when we have a leader in our midst? She talks about all this Spanish mission history, this San Antonio stuff. All these boring details about Franciscan missionaries, and old bells, and priests deciding to do this or that . . . I know for a fact that there are several women who belong to the DRT or who could belong, who do not go to the San Antonio meetings because of her . . That chapter seems on the eve of celebrating the wonders of Spanish culture, and the defeat of our ancestors. CLARA DRISCOLL Well, I don’t know if you are quite right about that, Cornelia. Of course, Our devout San Antonio maiden, Adina, does have that . . . Mexican background . . . doesn’t she. . . . Leaves the question open as to whether they might actually be dealing with some kind of traitor. What I notice is this strange fascination Miss Zavala seems to have . . . with . . . Well . . . death! Drinks a sip of tea I think the Alamo certainly is a place to commemorate our brave ancestors. But Miss Zavala is beginning to pester me with letters about . . . Sarcastically “our shared Catholicism,” and lives of the saints, and all this well . . . bloody stuff. Drinks again.

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I’m not a cold Catholic, but I don’t appreciate the way she tries to use religion to force me to do things. CORNELIA BRANCH STONE What is she trying to make you do? CLARA DRISCOLL She wants me to preserve the Long Barrack that will remain after the Schmeltzer bric-a-brac is destroyed. Here I paid the option price pining for the day when the whole of that hideous monstrosity would be leveled. CORNELIA BRANCH STONE Why does she want to preserve it? CLARA DRISCOLL It’s something about how the real blood of the Alamo siege was shed there. Add to that, this barrack seems to have become her only beau. She is pledging to remain undefiled, you know. She seems to want only to administer this treasure free of charge for all visitors, a site that in her view, will probably convert others to Catholicism . . . . CORNELIA BRANCH STONE Exactly, and what are we going to do now? She is controling the very project you sacrificed so much for! CLARA DRISCOLL Well I certainly can’t stay in San Antonio, administering the site, but I have an idea.

Scene 19: Driscoll takes trip with Florence Eager INT. Lunchtime “restaurant”—dining table, B&B setting. FLORENCE EAGER O Clara you are so naughty taking me here, but I rather like it. CLARA DRISCOLL The Sleeping Car, Florence, the Sleeping Car is a great invention for modern women FLORENCE EAGER

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How so? CLARA DRISCOLL When a woman travels alone by day, she has to deal with a lot condescending train talk. Her time is wasted. But with sleeping cars, you avoid that. You travel at night. Lock your compartment. Wake up in a new city. Explore, even shop (laughs) on our own. FLORENCE EAGER What would your fiancé say if he . . . O wait, Looks past Clara to approaching Male Secretary, and gasps as if concerned I think we are attracting attention . . . Male secretary ambles over to their table. He clearly is interested in Clara. MALE SECRETARY Gushing with enthusiasm. Well is it not amazing to see our fine Texas Ladies here in Cincinnati! Clara looks shocked. Secretary takes the liberty to sit down with a big grin covering his action. CLARA DRISCOLL Recovering. Now purposely unexcited, and polite, but in a slightly condescending way. O yes, you were the governor’s assistant, Establishes eye contact. How nice to see you again. MALE SECRETARY Extends a hand to Clara, and then to Florence Eager. Chester McCoy’s my name. Miss Driscoll! Smiles. And . . . FLORENCE EAGER Florence Eager from San Antonio, thank you. Secretary temporarily flummoxed. Women look nonplused, and glance mischievously at one another.

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MALE SECRETARY Say, if you are here in Cincinnati alone, I should really take the liberty of escorting you ladies around the town. CLARA DRISCOLL That will not be necessary, though you are a wonderful gentleman to suggest this. Two ladies stare at him with cold smiles. MALE SECRETARY Well I would hate to allow two of our most illustrious, young Texas maidens to be the target of some . . . drummer, or drunk. Ha. You never know what might happen in a godless northern city like this! CLARA DRISCOLL Kind Sir, your gallantry is wonderful. Thank You. But we are not in need of such service today. FLORENCE EAGER Yes, it really isn’t . . . Less able to prevaricate so freely. Necessary. MALE SECRETARY Very well then, as long as you know. . . . Uh . . . I would not consider it a waste of time to have this opportunity. Eyes Clara. FLORENCE EAGER Shaking his hand. Thank you, but it is altogether unnecessary sir, you are so kind! CLARA DRISCOLL Shakes his hand as well Thank you, and maybe we will see you again in Texas some time.

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Male Secretary leaves somewhat crestfallen. The two ladies look at each other with a look of half- chagrin, with Eager ready to laugh. Scene 20: Later that Night in a Hotel Room INT. The two ladies are giggling together in a hotel room with wine glasses. FLORENCE EAGER I’m sorry Clara, but I just loved the look on your face when our young Texas gallant came over. Laughs uncontrollably. Oversteps somewhat the bounds of Clara’s propriety. I promise I won’t tell. CLARA DRISCOLL Isn’t it amazing how we cannot escape the South, even in Cincinnati? Becoming more serious. Say, But Florence . . . . Florence continues to laugh. Clara remains half-giddy, but tries to rachet up the seriousness a bit. Florence, stop laughing, I have a serious question for you. . . FLORENCE EAGER Camera focuses on Eager’s real effort to become serious. CLARA DRISCOLL You know that you are my favorite San Antonio friend, and I enjoy traveling with you very much FLORENCE EAGER I enjoy excursions like this with you too, Clara! And you are so kind to cover all of our expenses. CLARA DRISCOLL But I wonder if you could do me a big favor. FLORENCE EAGER Name it. CLARA DRISCOLL

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You know, your grandfather’s presence in San Antonio before 1846 makes you a very eligible member of the group I have set up to administer the Alamo. FLORENCE EAGER Oh, you mean the Daughters of . . . (can’t quite appropriate a name she has ignored) CLARA DRISCOLL Yes, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. Well I would like you to become a member of the DRT, and set up your own new San Antonio chapter. You could probably get some younger ladies involved. The main thing is that I would like to give your group the honor of administering the Alamo. FLORENCE EAGER Clara, this sounds like a wonderful honor. But it might be tough to get women to serve. You know, between household duties, the Shakespeare Club, the WCTU, and the Musicale, a lot of women get worn out doing so many . . . CLARA DRISCOLL You won’t have to worry about it. I will send some funds to pay a coordinator to do the real work. And I know there are women who are willing to help . . . FLORENCE EAGER Clara, if you are behind something, I know it will succeed. Please count me in.

Scene 21: DRT Combined Meeting 1906: Building Tension INT. Could be a large parlor. Hall? Speakers in front. Attendees seated to hear. Mary Smith Jones, looking and acting old, is chairing the meeting. TEXT ON SCREEN State Meeting of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, 1906. MARY SMITH JONES And now I would like to introduce someone who I know you love as I do, our “Savior of the Alamo,” Clara Driscoll!

General Applause CLARA DRISCOLL

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Ladies I so appreciate you support, and that of Governor Lanham as we consider ways to properly dedicate the Alamo complex. My concern for beauty and patriotism is I know shared throughout the state, and therefore let me be bold. I propose that we tear out the Long Barrack, the hideous, rat-infested structure purchased from the grocer Hugo Schmeltzer. This will give us space so that we may offset the beautiful Alamo Chapel with a beautiful park.

Becomes starry eyed. I am envisioning a place of tranquil beauty, filled with swaying palms, and tropical verdure. I foresee a new structure there as well, an arched walkway of Spanish design, draped with ivy, something that could appear as venerable as the nearby Chapel.

Adina Zavala raises her hand to Clara rather than to the Chair, and with the barest of acknowledgment, stands up. Camera takes side angle of Adina as this is a central point coming up. . ADINA DE ZAVALA

I, for one, could never allow the Long Barrack to be torn down. It, after all, was baptized by the blood of our heroic ancestors.

MRS. MARY SMITH JONES (OLD).

Ladies, please do not speak out of order. The Chair will recognize those who wish to speak. And I do see the hand of the distinguished Cornelia Branch Stone.

Stone comes to the front.

MRS. CORNELIA BRANCH STONE

First focusing her attention on the very chair who has snubbed Adina.

Thank you Mrs. Jones, Madame Chairman. Ladies, I am so thrilled, for one, to have you, Syrupy Smile, looking at Mary Smith Jones.

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Do you all know that Mrs. Jones is the wife of our last Texas President, Anson Jones! Thank you Mary! Let’s all have a round of applause here for Mary Jones!

Everyone applauds.

Now I would like to speak on this issue that has been raised.

Now focuses on Clara. Gushing sweetly and melodramatically.

We ladies are so beholden to you, Miss Driscoll. Your act of patriotism, in diverting your private resources to this project stands out, as the most exciting act of charity ever known by our organization. I express my fondest wish that Miss Driscoll proceed with her plans.

Driscoll Chapter applauds loudly. Ella Godoy raises her hand, and keeps raising it without being acknowledged. MARY SMITH JONES

Ladies, that does it for old business; now under new business,13 we have an exciting new development in San Antonio, and I would like Miss Florence Eager to explain.

MRS. FLORENCE EAGER

I would like to announce the formation of a new chapter! The DRT Mission Chapter of San Antonio! We met two weeks ago for the first time. We represent fifteen patriotic ladies . . . eager, with Miss Driscoll’s blessing to administer our new site of the Alamo! MRS. MARY SMITH JONES (OLD).

Oh, this is wonderful news! MRS. CORNELIA BRANCH STONE Speaking out of turn, and without standing:

Such ladies are to be commended.

13 Robert’s Rules of Order were first published in 1876, and presumably were in place, in this preeminent Texas organization of women, especially one given a state mandate to administer a state institution.

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Clara raises her hand. Mary Jones does not pick her, but looks away from Clara’s hand. Clara then jumps to her feet.

ELLA GODOY

Wait! Why hasn’t our San Antonio Chapter been informed about this development, this is outrageous!

Decorum is lost, there is an uproar, women are all speaking, but Adina tands and speaks the loudest.

ADINA DE ZAVALA Asking pointedly.

May I please call on Miss Driscoll. Clara is this true, is this what you wanted?

CLARA DRISCOLL With a hint of condescension:

Well of course, Adina, I didn’t want you or anyone else to think that just because I had enabled the DRT to take over, that you would have to do all the work. My friend, Florence, and her group, and I have all worked out the details.

ADINA DE ZAVALA

I think you may have forgotten the fact, however, that the Mayor of San Antonio has already given me the keys. We have already begun to administer the site.

JENNIE FEY LYTLE

Besides, we the women of the De Zavala Chapter have already raised money for this privilege. Miss Driscoll, we certainly acknowledge that the land around the Schmeltzer grocery could never have been purchased without you. But it is my understanding that our chapter spent over $10.000 for the project. We helped secure the purchase too.

MARY SMITH JONES Exacerbated as the uproar now continues:

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Ladies, ladies. Come to order!

Scene 22: The EC Decides to Get a Locksmith INT. Parlor. CLARA DRISCOLL How did Adina De Zavala get control over the keys? CORNELIA BRANCH STONE No matter, Clara! Mary Jones has made it very clear that constitutionally, it is the Executive Committee of the state DRT that now has the initiative. It alone has ultimate control over any ongoing project of the DRT that cannot be handled expressly by the plenary meeting. As our last meeting yielded only disorder, it is the duty of the Executive Committee to proceed. Mary Jones just told me, we should just tell them what we want to do. But what should we do? FLORENCE EAGER We need to take control! CLARA DRISCOLL Actually, as long as you ladies agree, this will be no problem. We will just hire a locksmith, change the keys, and voila! Florence and her group will gain the new keys and complete control! FLORENCE EAGER O Clara this is perfect! CORNELIA BRANCH STONE Let me assure you that EC is behind you. I have talked extensively with Mary Jones and the others. Clara and Florence, please go ahead with your plan!

Scene 23: Adina Scares him Locksmith EXT. Morning. Outside imposing door. Best done outside Alamo side entrance, Tuesday morning. LOCKSMITH Lays tools out. Proceeds to act as if he is unscrewing the plate, to change the first lock

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ADINA DE ZAVALA Comes to the door. Goes outside. Says authoritatively. What on earth are you doing? LOCKSMITH Well, I’m changing the locks, Mam, as I have been paid to do. ADINA DE ZAVALA You are what? LOCKSMITH He gives her a blank expression. ADINA DE ZAVALA This is blatant act of robbery, of theft! I am Adina De Zavala of the Daughters of Republic of Texas Chapter. In 1905, Governor Lantham assigned the duties of administering this structure to our group, and I will give you a copy of that bill. You can then deal with the felony charge that will result from your brazen attack on state property. LOCKSMITH Look, I already have been paid to do this. And I have been told to ignore your protests. ADINA DE ZAVALA Rushes inside and comes out with the bill. Well did they show you this? Points to the document. I’ll have you know Sir, that your action is not only going to earn you a felony as well as assault and battery charges; this site used to be the Convent of the Mission of San Antonio de Valero. You Sir, will have your soul doubly damned to hell if you proceed to burglarize this sacred structure. She stands menacingly between the locksmith and the door. LOCKSMITH He re-grabs his screwdriver. Lady, I have been ordered to do this!

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ADINA DE ZAVALA Grabs the screwdriver, and fiercely out of his hand, picks up a hammer; points the screwdriver at him like a knife, and raises the hammer. Her eyes blaze forth. You will do this over my dead body! LOCKSMITH Tries to do an end run. She blocks him. Tries another end run. She blocks that, but this time he collides with her, and trips, falling down. ADINA DE ZAVALA Have you no respect, for a maiden either? Will you molest me, pilfer from the State, and steal from God? LOCKSMITH Picks up his tools and runs away saying. Lady, I have had enough. I am not doing this job. I will never do this job! Scene 24: Adina Group decides the place is unsafe INT. Anytime. Parlor. ADINA De ZAVALA Its clear the ladies of our esteemed Executive Committee are going to find some way to occupy the Alamo and pillage it. ELLA GODOY The sound of their canon is unmistakable.

JENNIE FEY LYTLE Why does Clara Driscoll remind me of Santa Anna?

ELLA GODOY Humorous: Because she drinks bloody marys? I have heard she does. She raises the banner for prohibition, and then goes out with her girlfriends and drinks up a storm. ADINA DE ZAVALA

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What I worry about now, is that she will come in, and seize all the Alamo artifacts. Driscoll will then deem them ugly, because that is her criterion. And then SHE will sell them off and replace them with her dismal collection of watercolors.

JENNIE FEY LYTLE

By the way, where is Carrie Kemp?

Innocently, but with the dawning look, that she may have told Kemp too much.. I saw her at the Maennerchor14 concert the other night.

The three ladies look at one another with a sense of confusion but with continuing resolution.

ELLA GODOY Ladies, I think Driscoll and that Florence Eager girl are up to something ADINA De ZAVALA Why does this remind me of Louis Moses Rose, the man who candidly admitted he had deserted the Alamo?

Scene 25. Adina and Faithful friends steal the Relics INT: Ladies are storing Alamo artifacts in and around a closet. Ella and Adina take only light objects, Jennie takes the big stuff. ADINA De ZAVALA Oh my back! It is acting up again. Must sit down. ELLA GODOY Rushes quickly to her side.

Oh, Adina, are you alright? ADINA De ZAVALA You and Jennie are such good friends. Not even my sister is willing to go this far.

14 MENN er core. German-Americans used to organize separately and they often led the musical development of American cities.

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ELLA GODOY

Well anyone who has gone to the state meanings and heard Clara Driscoll badmouth the Convent building, and call it hideous. . . . knows that these ladies hate the Spanish past and want only to destroy all they deem as ugly.

JENNIE FEY LYTLE

Jennie Fey acts a little perturbed, like she might defect next. She is doing most of the grunt work

(She grunts) ADINA De ZAVALA Keying into Jennie’s plight. Jennie, I am so sorry. Thank you for doing this heavy work. . . Ella now tries to help Jennie. Adina thinks it is up to her to entertain, as the other two trudge back and forth. Our written history, though sufficient to keep one well and profitably employed for years, is not the history which so fascinates . . . people . . I believe. Adina goes into a melodramatic mode. In the background the Texas State Anthem plays, Texas Our Texas. . . . It is the unwritten that strongly appeals—these beautiful objects of the Texas past which you women are preserving. One hears a whisper from every object, every stone of our old ruins, landmarks, and spots famed for historic deeds. It calls to us from every relic of the past, though we do not always understand its meaning. Jennie carries in a very odd object.

JENNIE FEY LYTLE

Make that almost never. I have no idea what this . . .

Looks quizzically. She holds it up . . .

could be. ADINA De ZAVALA

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Adina clearly doesn’t know either, but she continues in a rapturous vein even while obviously in pain. Jennie, I maintain that we could best ask a child that question. The answer is not as important as the feeling we so often dismiss. I am convinced that if children can just touch the objects used by noble people, they will be in time inspired by their high ideals. JENNIE FEY LYTLE

I wish I knew for sure that taking all these objects from the Alamo Chapel was a high ideal.

Scene 26: EC gets Court injunction INT. Two Scenes with Candlestick Telephones: The two women are each in their own homes.

FLORENCE EAGER Hello Operator, is this Houston . . . . OK great, get me the Residence of Cornelia Branch Stone.

Florence is a little on the side of frightened, because she knows she might be blamed

CORNELIA BRANCH STONE

(still mystified by the invention) Hello?

FLORENCE EAGER

Cornelia, it is me, Florence Eager, from the DRT in San Antonio!

CORNELIA BRANCH STONE Amazing, O Florence, this is the first time I ever received a call from San Antonio. So good to hear from you!

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FLORENCE EAGER Cornelia, I have heard through Carrie Kemp that the Alamo has been robbed of its artifacts! I think this might be the chance we need to take legal action.

CORNELIA BRANCH STONE

This is outrageous. I always suspected that Adina and her crew were crooked. But I didn’t realize they were outright thieves!

FLORENCE EAGER

What should I do, Clara is in New York City!

CORNELIA BRANCH STONE I will get with the Executive Committee. We will get a court injunction and get those artifacts back immediately. We may even have to take De Zavala to court.

Begins to reflect assuming a nastier tone. Prosecute her. Put her in jail. I don’t know what else we can do!

FLORENCE EAGER Wide eyed.

But who is going to do all that?

CORNELIA BRANCH STONE

Do not lose a wink of sleep over this Florence. You will get your artifacts back, as well as the keys to the place. I will make sure the courts act as fast as possible.

Scene 27: De Zavala visited by Sheriff, agrees to return Relics, and gives over keys EXT by Door. Daytime. With passageway to closet where relics of scene 25 went. Policeman knocks. Adina answers. SHERIFF

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I am here to serve a Court-Ordered Mandatory Injunction to one Adina de Zavala for removing state-owned artifacts from the Alamo Chapel, and barrack. Policeman. Perhaps a novice bristles as if ready to act. And who are you, Miss, may I ask? ADINA DE ZAVALA I am . . . Adina De Zavala, granddaughter of Texas’ first Vice Present, Lorenzo De Zavala, and President of the San Antonio Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. In 1905 we were accorded by Governor Lantham, and the Texas Legislature the right . . . POLICEMAN We don’t want to hear your spiel (pronounced speel). ADINA DE ZAVALA You are not getting the relics! SHERIFF In that case, you will go to jail right now. We will get the relics, even if it takes months, while you sit in prison with a bunch of crazy inverts!15 We are here solely for two purposes. To serve you this mandatory injunction, and to take said articles from your possession. Shoves injunction in her face. Now read it, and show us where we can get the relics. Now! ADINA DE ZAVALA Starts crying. Refuses to read it. So . . . you want to deprive future Texans of the story that made them free. Come along then. She takes them ADINA DE ZAVALA

15 Early 20th century term for perverts.

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Here they are! Deprive them from the guardian with whom Governor Lantham placed this sacred trust. Give them to a lot of rich ladies who are good at buying justice! POLICEMAN Agitated, again acting as if De Zavala is about to attack. Hold your horses! SHERIFF More Measured seeing the relics, and begins to inspect them, seeing them unharmed. Miss, you have done the right thing. So far, we do not have a warrant for your arrest. If these are all of them, you are out of trouble. But there is one more thing . . . your key to the Alamo Chapel! Adina breaks into tears, turning her eyes from what her right hand must do, dropping the key in the hands of the sheriff. Zoom in close-up of Adina under duress. Scene 28: Zavala’s Group: Their Reaction to Driscoll’s group INT. the group is having coffee/tea, and is seated around a circle. JENNIE FEY LYTLE

I’m just glad you are OK, Adina. Sometimes perhaps we just have to say good bye to things! ADINA DE ZAVALA Thanks Jennie. Thanks for caring about me. Wistfully. Its just that when I see that old Long Barrack Convent, . . . well, I know it sounds funny, but its like seeing myself in a mirror. Its me; my traditions, my people, what I care about, all that was good in the soul of my grandfather Lorenzo… ELLA GODOY Somewhat naively. Do you think you are going to have a police record because of this? ADINA ZAVALA

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I’m sure I will, but at least Clara Driscoll and Company didn’t sic the police dogs on me personally. ELLA GODOY

It is this narrow kind of Texas patriotism that these women show that is disconcerting. Old things, unfashionable things, Spanish things, or God-forbid, Mexican things, are all off their list.

JENNIE FEY LYTLE

What struck me, sadly, sisters, is the way the statewide officers want to ignore the $10,000 that our San Antonio Chapter has not only raised but contributed to the Alamo project.

ADINA DE ZAVALA We have asked people to contribute. We have promised to look after that investment. And now the law has decided that we have to break our promises.

Scene 29: Driscoll’s Group reacts to Zavala’s Group EXT. Daytime to symbolize a sense of revelation. On porch. CLARA DRISCOLL I frankly did not put up the funds for the Schmeltzer grocery deal thinking we would have to fight legal battles just to raze that rat-infested warehouse.

MRS. MARY SMITH JONES (OLD).

O dear. You have done so much for us! Such ingratitude on the part of the De Zavala chapter causes even my old blood to boil.

MRS. CORNELIA BRANCH STONE

The Zavala woman is a tipsy coffee addict!

MRS. FLORENCE EAGER As if actually fearing danger.

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She may also be, I have heard, Roman Catholic nun, in disguise!

MRS. CORNELIA BRANCH STONE

I can just imagine her springing up like some hellcat, claws extended. Isn’t there some way we could drum her and her chapter out of the DRT before she wrecks everything at the coming state meeting?

MRS. MARY SMITH JONES (OLD).

Ohh, our group’s constitution is not quite ready for this kind of challenge. Perks up. But we are getting there. If our plenary meeting ends with another failure, the Executive Committee can find a legal way I believe to do exactly this.

Scene 30: Adina and Mary talk things over: Henry’s Bill. Difficult Times. INT. Breakfast or lunch. MARY CATHARINE DE ZAVALA I am sorry that I can’t make it to the Austin meeting, sister, but I am happy to get out of here for a while. I could not say “no” to Aunt Joann who is paying my way to see her. There are so many question marks now with the death of Uncle Richard. ADINA DE ZAVALA Uncle Richard, what an enigma. MARY CATHARINE DE ZAVALA I wonder if he left us anything. Now looks apprehensive. Mom has been selling off all our bonds. We have no income left. Now begins to cry, tears form Its like we have sink’s worth of water, and its just running out. ADINA DE ZAVALA

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I am so glad you are going to see Aunt Joann, Mary. I am embarrassed to have to ask Mr. Williams for the money to go to Austin for this important convention. But I will do that. MARY CATHARINE DE ZAVALA Exasperated. Wishes her sister would just marry Mr. Williams and save the family from penury. If Mr. Williams cares for you enough to give or loan you money, if I were you, I would . . . ! ADINA DE ZAVALA I’m not doing that. Of course, now we have another issue. Getting emotional. Henry’s bill, O my, the black sheep of the family seems out to break us. MARY CATHARINE DE ZAVALA Now crying quite openly. Adina, what are we going to do? I just hope we don’t return from Houston and Austin to find all of us evicted from our home! Zoom in with close-up, cross-cutting reactions of both women.

SCENE 31: The Shouting Match. The Climactic 1907 Meeting of the DRT. INT. Hall or Large Parlor. ADINA DE ZAVALA Making her foremost plea, fervently. It was upon the Long Barrack, and not the Chapel, on that fateful foggy dawn of the 6th of March, 1836, where . . . Zavala gesticulates almost too wildly, putting her hand to her ear on the word ‘heard’, and simulating the glow of bullets and the dripping of blood with hand gestures. one heard the constant crack of the rifle, and the hiss of the bullets, coming fierce and fast. It was here where the heroes died and piled the enemy before them in heaps. It

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was here on the Long Barrack that the crimson tide of our brave heroes trickled down, and formed puddles, shoe deep, on these sacred stones, dribbling down and over a wall that was mured16 together for the ages. But it was not merely the strength of these stones that makes this wall precious. It was this blood, ladies that anointed forever the fortress that sings of our freedom today. CLARA DRISCOLL Madam Chairman, may I interrupt here. MRS. MARY SMITH JONES (OLD) Feebly, the heat and tension are clearly wearing this older lady down.

Yes you may. . . . The Speaker . . . . (gasp) has overextended her time.

CLARA DRISCOLL There is simply no evidence that this ungainly pile of cheap mortar and ill-fitting pseudo brick played an important part of the battle of the Alamo. It is ugly, and off- putting, and needs to be torn down.

MRS. CORNELIA BRANCH STONE Quick to rise:

How ladies can we be such ingrates as to ignore the contribution of Miss Clara Driscoll here. She is our Savior of the Alamo! Let us follow her lead!

ELLA GODOY Moves quickly up to the front to speak regardless of the rules.

Our San Antonio, De Zavala Chapter formed two years before the startup of the DRT. We raised $10,000 for the preservation of the entire San Antonio de Valero mission, now known as the Alamo: the Chapel and Long Barrack. Yes Miss Driscoll deserves much credit, but we have contributed a good amount of money. We were also the ones who first administered the site. But we are no longer administering the Alamo, thanks to a court order, and a conspiracy of our Executive Council!

MRS. CORNELIA BRANCH STONE

16 Pronounced as in one syllable: myoured.

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Also now moves up to the front, Ella goes back to her seat. My God, ladies, I cannot believe what I am hearing. Yes, thank you, San Antonio chapter for your help, but the fact is you fell about $50,000 short of the needed bill when Mr. Schlmeltzer was ready to sell his grocery. $50,000 ladies! This is the irredeemable debt, the reality of how much we owe our esteemed Savior, Clara. I should note that the De Zavala chapter is not a good steward, and that the Governor never entrusted to them the specific right to administer the Alamo. But this isn’t the worst of it ladies: this Chapter has tried to steal the relics from the Alamo! We had to stop them with a Court Order. MARY SMITH JONES Slow, forgetful, overwhelmed. Ladies. It is perhaps . . . best at this point, that we . . . Goes up to the front, regardless: JENNIE FEY LYTLE I must say something before one of my friends and a wonderful patriotic Texas woman is compared to a thief! Considering how Clara Driscoll wants to destroy the Long Barrack, how could we in San Antonio be sure she would not destroy the old relics? They too bear the traces of age which she seems to find so objectionable. We did not steal the relics! They are now returned and are in perfect order and condition. We tried to hide the relics from the destructive vandalism of the Executive Council! The meeting goes into a total uproar. The next words by Eager are ignored and drowned out. FLORENCE EAGER Could I say something about the condition of the relics? More Disorder. MARY SMITH JONES Increasingly feebly, breathing hard: Ladies, ladies, come to order! Stop this. Stop this! This is wrong! Taxed to the limit, the old lady totters, stoops, droops and faints to the floor. MRS. CORNELIA BRANCH STONE

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Rushes up to Jones, as an unprofessional but still medically ready would-be nurse might.

Look what you’ll hav done! The First Lady of Texas needs help!

CLARA DRISCOLL Quick, call a doctor! SCENE 32: Adina Confesses to Sister Flaviene. INT. In Convent Room. Could be filmed back to back with scene 3. ADINA DE ZAVALA You realize, Sister, that what I am trying to protect was a former Convent, now known as the Long Barrack! SISTER FLAVIENE Adina, Adina, you are becoming more and more entangled in the ways of this world. The Church has long relinquished both the Chapel and the Convent. They have since been stained by the wars men never stop fighting. And no, I cannot encourage you to risk your good name, and indeed your life, trying to hold on to the past any longer. What, you say that an elderly woman almost died amidst the fighting. And you are developing a police record? Fervently, emotionally. Adina, disenthall yourself! Now is the perfect time to come to us! Camera does close up of Adina showing both a look of dismay, and firm resolution to continue.

SCENE 33: Clara Driscoll and Cornelia Stone Plot to destroy most of the Long Barrack INT. Parlor. MRS. FLORENCE EAGER Adina Zavala is so crazy, she could make a stuffed bird, laugh. CLARA DRISCOLL Looking at her watch:

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I do have to catch a train this afternoon. We will have to make this quick. MRS. CORNELIA BRANCH STONE

Well first I want to report the doleful news that the First Lady of Texas, Mrs. Jones is failing to improve. (Shakes head with a mournful, spite-filled sigh) Let us all pray for her. Having once robbed, the De Zavala Chapter with all their disorderly conduct . . .

Has almost committed an act of murder, as far as I am concerned!

Second, the Executive Council has approved Miss Driscoll’s plan to engage the Schneider Company to apply the wrecking ball to the Long Barrack!

CARRIE KEMP This sounds marvelous!

SCENE 34: Zavala Group discusses emerging reality. INT. Parlor. JENNIE FEY LYTLE Holding out a letter. . . This letter sent out to all the DRT chapters of Texas is so deeply insulting! The nerve of those people asking for pledges for Driscoll’s new park, to replace the Long Barrack: It is so sad. ELLA GODOY What can we do? Without the plenary meeting being able to decide anything, the Executive Committee has all the power! ADINA DE ZAVALA Weeping: I still think there is something we can do . . . ELLA GODOY

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You know, Adina, your cousin, Henry, the lawyer has been a help to our family over the years, and I have a good relation with him. I think I will pay him a visit! SCENE 35: JULIA AND HENRY EXT to INT. Room by Front Door. Henry appears at the door, opened by Julia. JULIA DE ZAVALA Oh its you. Why I suppose you are here to collect more money. Haven’t you had enough? HENRY DE ZAVALA Perhaps I have. I have news for you. The will of your brother-in-law Richard, my half brother shows that I haven’t been quite the black sheep of the family that I thought. Nor was Augustine left out of the picture. Lorenzo, evidently just didn’t want the estate at Buffalo Bayou to be sold off in little sections. Richard, meanwhile, kept his part of the bargain that my father made him keep. Both you and I have a lot of that land coming to us. The proceeds from this should be able to keep you and your family comfortable for some time to come! JULIA DE ZAVALA Henry, this is amazing news, I must tell Adina! HENRY DE ZAVALA O and one other thing. I hear your daughter, Adina, has been getting involved with the preservation of the Alamo. I have a friend who would like me to look after her interests there, and you can tell Adina, I am at her service with that as well. SCENE 36: Announcement: They are about to close off the Barracks INT. Morning. De Zavala Family home. JULIA Excited. And now, Adina, I just talked to the lawyer, your Uncle Henry, and have some very big news to tell you. Now as I was saying about Joann. . .

Urgent knock on the door. Adina answers, and Jennie rushes in.

JENNIE FEY LYTLE

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Adina, there are men in work jackets, and drills who are about to destroy the Long Barrack! ADINA DE ZAVALA O No they won’t! Get Ella! Tell her, if she possibly can, to get Henry. Grabs poster-boards, and candle. ADINA DE ZAVALA Mama, I must leave . . . now! JULIA But Adina, I have something important to say. What could you possibly be doing with all that? ADINA I’ll explain later! Runs off. JULIA Stop Adina! There is no reason for you to do anything!

SCENE 37: Sheriff serves Injunction: 10 February 2008 EXT. By Long Barrack. Morning or Daytime. John, Julie, Jennie, are holding hands as if to protect it. Camera describes gathering action. Dramatic Music Cover. Ella arrives with Henry. They smile to each other. Adina adamantly pulls Henry away from Ella. ADINA Henry, Henry, tell me what I can do! I beg you! HENRY I do not suggest this! You could avoid arrest if you somehow refrain from listening to the injunction. ADINA DE ZAVALA What happens if I go inside? HENRY

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I’m not sure what will happen. But possession is nine-tenths of the law. If you must claim rights, it is better to occupy. Williams rushes up to this intense tête-à-tête. (A big-deal Victorian, Face to face conversation). JOHN WILLIAMS Adina I have heard you have stopped the demolition. You can’t do this. Can’t you let me help you? ADINA DE ZAVALA Yes John, exactly. I want you to help. Join hands with the rest of us! Adina motions for Williams to help by joining hands. Williams, Julia, ELLA, and Jennie, all hold hands. Adina directs the group to spread out. Henry is off to the side. POLICEMAN To oncoming Sheriff. Sir, these people have been holding off attempts to demolish the site. SHERIFF TOBIN Yes we are aware of that, and also prepared. We have dealt with this same diehard (looks at Adina) before. Back me up. SHERIFF TOBIN Shouts to the crowd. Alright Ladies and Gentlemen. You are trying to hold up the demolition of this wall, But you must vacate because of a court order that I am bearing. HENRY DE ZAVALA I am the lawyer here of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, San Antonio Chapter, and I would like to see this document. Henry looks at the document, grimaces, and hands it back. SHERIFF TOBIN Shouts while reading. Adina De Zavala covers her ears. Everyone stares at the officer. Midway, Adina steals away and hides in the building. By the order of the City of San Antonio, you are hereby ordered to vacate this area completely within five minutes after the conclusion of the reading said ordinance. Any form of lingering within 100 yards of this site may constitute grounds for arrest. You

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are hereby ordered now to remove all personal effects. The City of San Antonio authorizes presiding officers to arrest any guilty party who through any form of obstruction, or non-compliance, resists this order to vacate. Demonstrators will terminate possession of any personal effects or articles which remain behind. Please vacate this area! Group drops hands. ELLA GODOY

Jennie--Adina has gone inside!

JENNIE FEY LYTLE

Turns around and puts hand to her face

Oh no! JULIA DE ZAVALA Where is my daughter, where is my daughter? Sheriff and policeman threaten Ella, John, Jenny, and Henry, pointing them away from site. SHERIFF JOHN TOBIN Let’s be on our way now! POLICEMAN Overeager. Zealous. Accosting the demonstrators. Do not even look back, face forward! Be off with you JULIA DE ZAVALA Terrified. Goes to the door where Adina has gone. Adina, you don’t need to stay here. We have land again! We are not going to be evicted from our 141 Taylor Street home at all! We have the money! Darling you cannot leave me here in the street alone. Mary is gone! Come home with me! Captain finally comes over I’m sorry Lady, but you are going to have to leave! JULIA DE ZAVALA

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But my daughter is in there! SHERIFF I’m sorry to hear that. But you are going to be arrested if you remain here a minute longer. JULIA Under no circumstances am I leaving! Henry, and John, who have done an end run around policeman return for Julia. HENRY Come on my sister-in-law. You will not be much help to Adina behind bars! Henry and John drag her off. JULIA Adina, you get out of there! Stop! Let me be! Men continue to take her resolutely off the scene. Scene 38: First Day of Siege: Coffee Crisis: 10 February 1908 EXT: Evening Outside of Long Barrack. Reporter is scribbling on pad with pencil. REPORTER So how long has this . . . Miss De Zavala been in this former warehouse of the Schmeltzer grocery? SHERIFF She’s been in there now, twelve hours. But I don’t think she can stay much longer. REPORTER Why not? SHERIFF Well there are rats in there. The electricity has been cut. She has no food nor water. She’ll be out soon enough. REPORTER Why don’t you just go in and get her?

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POLICEMAN The Mayor doesn’t want a scene, and someone could get hurt just going in there. REPORTER Cusps her ears: Sir, I believe the prisoner is speaking!

SHERIFF She probably wants something. But she’s not getting it. Policeman, Reporter and Sheriff hustle to the entrance. ADINA Reads loudly and melodramatically, with emotion [from inside using small light].17 Hail Texas frought with charms unknown. In thee creation’s pride. I see God’s immensity. A type of God’s Immensity Thou dear enchanting solitude Unknown to grief and pain To woe and want and graft and blood POLICEMAN Sir I don’t think she is asking for anything, it sounds like . .

REPORTER Scribbles furiously, trying to get what De Zavala is saying. Very interesting. Shouts!

17 She is reading a Poem by Diego Marin, written in 1800.

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Miss could you say those lines louder so I could get them down. Adina continues to read and re-read her poem. SHERIFF O for heaven’s sake, why are you copying the mumbo jumbo of a crazy woman? POLICEMAN These are the ravings of a lunatic! REPORTER But isn’t it true, that the woman inside is the granddaughter of Lorenzo De Zavala, the first Vice President of Texas, and a prominent member of the San Antonio Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas? What she is saying doesn’t sound like raving to me, it sounds like a poem about Texas. POLICEMAN Hears something, goes to the entranceway. OK, you can come out now Miss . . . But instead of bearing her triumphantly, he carries her first sign. Sign is held before the camera. She scurried back into the building but she gave me this. REPORTER Reads the sign. Hmm. “They have the might, of course, but we have the right, and you know Davy Crockett said, ‘Be sure you’re right, then go ahead.” Begins to scribble down the words of the sign. This whole standoff like some kind of replay of our state’s traditions. Policeman and Sheriff look confused. Scene 39: First Reactions of the Driscoll Group at the Home of Carrie Kemp INT. Parlor. If there is a piano or instrument, Florence could start scene bumbling around on it. And then turning to face ladies: MRS. FLORENCE EAGER

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Now I know she is full of prunes.18

MRS. CORNELIA BRANCH STONE This is a wicked thing. Imagine ignoring an injunction, and staking her life on that ugly Barrack! ‘Adina De Lawbreaker’ may be dead already if the rats have eaten her. Carrie, I’m so glad that you are not only with us, but that you have invited me to stay with you during this crisis. You have been such a help to Florence, Clara, and our new DRT here in San Antonio.

Since you know Miss De Zavala more than anyone, what can we expect?

CARRIE KEMP She is just what you might most fear if our aim is to beautify the grounds around the Alamo Chapel. She will not let the Long Barrack go, not only because she thinks Texan soldiers died there, but because it’s a former Spanish Convent. . . And, in addition to all this, she thinks she is on a mission from God! MRS. CORNELIA BRANCH STONE O . . . my . . . That makes me hate the Long Barrack all the more. To think that it was a place where women were once held in bondage, in a convent, in subjugation to a corrupt Mexican institution . . . ! MRS. FLORENCE EAGER

She won’t be able to go much longer, though. One of the gentlemen in my life, Samuel Colfax, has discussed this with the officer in charge. She has nothing to drink. She can’t last long!

Scene 40: Worrry at Home for Adina INT. “Inside “Dark Long Barrack”—any place that is dark, and then INT. Parlor for Part II. Scene begins either with a small light on Adina, or the sound of Adina’s voice as she prays. ADINA DE ZAVALA O God, I have nothing to drink. And I am starting to shake from my unworthy dependence on coffee. O God in Christ help me!

18 Victorian expression for someone who is crazy.

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Scene moves to parlor of De Zavala house: SISTER FLAVIENE Speaking to those assembled. I am certainly flattered to know that you think Adina would listen me. And I don’t mind trying, really! But frankly, she hasn’t been listening to me. This latest . . . incident confirms what I fear. She has become . . . very fixed in her determination. JULIA DE ZAVALA I have tried to shout to her, and people think I am crazy. My daughter is going to die in there! And there is nothing we seem able to do about it! ELLA GODOY One thing that I am worried about is that she does have this ungainly dependence on coffee. She says that when she doesn’t have it, she shakes. Deprived of food and water, in what was a cool night, I could imagine that she is shaking violently right now! JENNIE FEY LYTLE Wait, you say we cannot get near the place, right? MOTHER JULIA Pause. Weeping. Camera zoom in on mother. They will not even let me go up to the entrance so that I can talk to her! JENNIE FEY LYTLE Wonder if got a long pipe? We could knock the pipe against the entrance. Adina could open it, and let it in. We could continue to stand off from afar, and pour first coffee and even water through the pipe. How could they object to that? Everyone looks confused. Camera zoom in on Jennie with closeup. Scene 41: Second Day of Siege: The Victorious Pipe EXT. Outside of Long Barrack Siege Area. Morning. Jennie Lytle comes to the scene with a long pipe. Ella is holding two containers, one of coffee, and one of water. But both lay them down before the policeman sees them ELLA GODOY Good naturedly.

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Good Day officer! Have you heard from Miss Zavala inside? POLICEMAN Yes, I heard her praying for deliverance. She should come out any time now. And remember, you cannot in any way go near the entrance. Policeman stands guard briskly, as if standing to attention. Women get the containers and pipe. What are you doing with that pipe? JENNIE FEY LYTLE You have nothing to worry about, officer. As of your orders, we are not going near that entrance! Women direct pipe from afar. Knock it against entrance. ELLA GODOY Shouts! Adina, open up, we have something for you to drink! Nothing happens. POLICEMAN Hmm, maybe she passed out. I have orders to get the sheriff if that has happened. REPORTER Walks up cautiously to the scene. Has Miss Zavala gone unconscious? POLICEMAN I believe this is possible Mam. The Cold, and darkness, the lack of everything, probably has done her in. I also can get the sheriff the moment we suspect she is unconscious. ELLA GODOY Shouts! Adina, the first thing we are sending you is coffee! Suddenly, Adina opens the entrance, takes the pipe. The two women insure the passage of coffee down the pipe.

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POLICEMAN This is probably against regulations! REPORTER But you don’t know for sure, do you? Besides you are not going to allow that patriotic woman to die of thirst, are you? POLICEMAN Why yes . . . I mean no . . . I have orders not to let anyone come up to the entrance REPORTER What is that banner, that Miss Zavala has brought to the entranceway? Policeman fetches the banner, and brings it to the Reporter, showing what is said: REPORTER “Come and take it?” Oh it’s a famous Texas banner . . . its . . . . JENNIE Miss Zavala is playing off the old Texian taunt of the revolution! This was the flag raised at Gonzales in 1835. She is, in other words showing the same kind of defiance. As if to say, go ahead kill me and destroy our heritage! REPORTER How interesting. So this is kind of like a replay of the Texas Revolution! She scribbles on while Ella and Jennie continue to manipulate the pipe-drink mechanism. Scene 42: State DRT Group frets about everything INT. Parlor. The women are fingering through various newspapers. MRS. FLORENCE EAGER I was shocked to read it when the story first made the San Antonio Express, but now it seems to be getting all over. CARRIE KEMP We were kind of elated about ten years ago when the Express began to lease the Associated Press wire service. That made us part of the world. But evidently now the world is hearing about this crazy heroine of ours who is . . . MRS. CORNELIA BRANCH STONE

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This is madness. This article says that the Buffalo News, the New York Herald, the San Francisco Chronicle, and others have all picked up the story. Its being called the “Second Siege of the Alamo!” The De Zavala woman is turning our state into a laughing stock.

MRS. FLORENCE EAGER How could something as foolish as this turn into such a big news story?

Scene 43: Engaging Governor Campbell INT. Parlor or Office. THOMAS MITCHEL CAMPBELL So you are saying that your niece, and her chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas in San Antonio Texas have a valid reason to block the destruction of the Long Barrack? COUSIN HENRY Governor, your predecessor, the honorable Governor Lanham, and the Texas legislature gave the keys of the Alamo, to the original chapter of the DRT in San Antonio, headed by Adina De Zavala. Now there has been a split in this venerable organization. But the DRT itself has not even worked out contractually who is in charge. Adina De Zavala is still technically a member of the DRT. The Executive Council, and Clara Driscoll, instead of working out these details, have used their influence to obtain local injunctions to bar the San Antonio Chapter led by Miss De Zavala from administering the grounds. The state needs to intervene to allow time for the Courts to determine which DRT chapter has the right to administer the site. And the state needs to intervene to determine who exactly has the authority to destroy part of the original Alamo fort, once known as the Long Barrack, where many Texans, most probably including William Travis himself, lost his life. Governor you are facing the potential charge of gross negligence if you fail to act. THOMAS MITCHEL CAMPBELL Clara Driscoll is a very good patriotic woman, and I have known that family. I am not in sympathy with your niece! But I do believe it is in the interests of our state to preserve order, protecting the life of its citizens, and the treasures of its history. Changes the position of his chair. Reflects. Thinks outloud.

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This news has been spreading around the country like wildfire. Couldn’t you just ask her to leave? The state has other sites. I suppose I could offer her a job doing something patriotic. She must have a price. I want you to talk to her, sir. I want you all to know that if this is some kind of political stunt, we will get to the bottom of it! I resent the way the incident stands to tarnish my patriotic good name. COUSIN HENRY Governor, her mind is made up. She has no price. Not her mother, her friends, me her uncle, or even a nun from her Catholic Church, can shake her resolve. If you want an end to this crisis, I suggest you get the Attorney General to issue a Restraining Order, blocking the demolition, and giving some time for this to all work through the courts. My niece and her welfare certainly is one factor to consider. But think: if my niece, who has published an essay on this topic, is correct about the importance of the Long Barrack, you will want to consider a way to delay the proceedings. You will not want to go down in history as the Governor who surrendered three-quarters of the Alamo! Governor gives Henry a severe look Scene 44: Third Day of Siege Interrupted by Gubernatorial Deal EXT. Outside Long Barrack. Patience has worn thin. They are shouting at one another. SHERIFF JOHN TOBIN I’m sorry but this pipe trick of yours is going to have to stop. Tell your friend to get out. We are wasting police resources on your stupid caper. And for nothing! ELLA GODOY And you would allow a patriotic young woman of Texas to die. You would allow a historic wall of our great Republic to be destroyed, where William Travis lost his life. What are you, some sort of enemy agent? SHERIFF JOHN TOBIN I have lost enough sleep on your foolish patriotism, and I have had enough of your pipe, and your patriotic gakking which is just another way to evade the law! COUSIN HENRY Officer, stop, I have an important document. A restraining order from the Attorney General of Texas! SHERIFF JOHN TOBIN

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What is this? REPORTER To Godoy, who the Reporter now trusts as a news source. So the rumors are true that Governor Campbell has gotten involved? It makes sense that he would not want to be known as the Governor who surrendered the Alamo. COUSIN HENRY I have just talked personally to the Governor, and here are two copies of the order, and of my card. Henry gives papers to Sheriff, and Reporter. The demolition has been officially postponed, and representatives of the Schneider company have been contacted. SHERIFF JOHN TOBIN (Exhausted) Well I guess . . . Someone can tell the young lady that she has attained her end. I hope she is still alright. Ella and Jennie race to the entrance. JENNIE Adina it is OK to come out. Your cousin, Henry has swung a deal with the Governor. You have won! Adina emerges from the warehouse covered with dust and sweat, nearly faints—is helped by Ella. HENRY, ELLA, JENNIE Jennie and Henry applaud her. Ella hugs her. Remember the Alamo. Remember the Alamo! Adina, you have done it! Scene 45: Zavala thrown out of DRT, 1910. Hopes Abound INT. Parlor. Music. Sustained Non-digetic sound with no initial audio from scene. Camera shows Clara Driscoll Sevier showing off a huge rock on her finger. She is married and now lives in New York City. The Women gesticulate putting their hands to their faces, as in—Wow!

MRS. CORNELIA BRANCH STONE

Let’s settle down ladies! First of course, we want to congratulate Mrs. Clara Sevier who is back with us, though now living in New York City. Let me formally say,

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Congratulations Clara on your wonderful marriage to Mr. Henry Sevier! He is such a noble young man who has served our interests while a part of the Texas House.

Cornelia smiles and tries to pour on the charm.

I heard you had a beautiful service at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, and also, that in your new lovely home on Long Island, you host meetings of a Texas Club. What a patriotic couple you two are!

CLARA DRISCOLL Classic comfortable smile, acknowledging all present.

Ladies its great to be back, and also to report that Texas patriotism is alive and well among many residents of America’s largest city!

MRS. CORNELIA BRANCH STONE

Well, Clara, let us quickly bring you up to date. It has taken us two years, but we finally have formally removed Miss Zavala from the rolls of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. FLORENCE AND CARRIE Both clap as in applause. FLORENCE EAGER

And our Alamo Mission Chapter has become the . . . (looks to Cornelia)

CORNELIA BRANCH STONE

de jure (pronounced: dae ZHUR)19 FLORENCE EAGER Awkwardly, questioningly, and not even realizing it is Latin.

DAY SURE administering body for the Alamo. So we are set to realize your dream to raze the hideous warehouse, and initiate your wonderful park!

19 In legal terminology, the “official.”

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CLARA DRISCOLL

I want to thank you women for all that you have done in my absence! I can assure you that my heart. . . and even my pocketbook . . .

Everyone laughs.

Are with you! MRS. FLORENCE EAGER

Cornelia, we better tell Clara about the situation with the Governor, though right?

CARRIE KEMP A little contemptuously as if to say, “Florence doesn’t know much.” Florence, I am the one who has been working on that. Thanks. Governor Campbell is such an admirer of you Clara, and of your husband as well! We had thought that when the Court decided in our favor, we were ready to go ahead with the plans for our park. But alas, we decided that a project of this magnitude needed an official expression of his goodwill, and the Governor has been very busy. You know he’s just the best we have ever had, in his progressive principles! He even told me that he favors women’s suffrage, and prohibition! But in any case Governor Campbell now is entrapped in the coming election! MRS. CORNELIA BRANCH STONE

May I remind you Mrs. Kemp, that the majority sentiment in both the Daughters of the Confederacy, and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas is to oppose woman’s suffrage, leaving what is so often unclean and even disgraceful in the hands of men!

CARRIE KEMP Well that may be. But the foremost foe of Woman’s Suffrage, Little Oscar Colquitt as he is called, the man from the little town of Pittsburg, in the Northeast part of the state, is also in favor of the continuation of liquor, and is the one candidate whose support for our Alamo project is most in question. MRS. CORNELIA BRANCH STONE

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O Yes, little Oscar. My husband knows him. Pittsburg is that city where they had the Ezekiel Airship experiment. He won’t give us trouble. My husband is a warm supporter of Mr. Colquitt. Both his father and my late husband were sons of the same unit in the Confederacy. I am sure he would come along, if indeed he is elected. CLARA DRISCOLL I can’t recall that I know him. I guess he was on the railroad commission. I’ll send him a letter too, with a little encouragement inside, if he wins.

Part III. The Miracle

Scene 46: Governor Colquitt: New Perspective: 1911 INT.Parlor. THOMAS MITCHEL CAMPBELL Oscar, one other thing, I was recently asked by a Mrs. Sevier—you probably know that whole Driscoll-Sevier clan in South Texas, I was asked if you could officially approve their plans to create a nice park by the Alamo. SECRETARY That this was never accomplished really was really my fault. We had begun a letter, and I had never gotten after the Governor to complete it. GOVERNOR I thought you did get after me about it, but that you had some reservations about the moral quality of Miss Driscoll. Secretary looks confused. OSCAR COLQUITT Yes I may have received something from a Mrs. Sevier, but I know this family was solidly attached to your candidacy in the last election, not mine. You know, though, there was a teacher involved with the Alamo; I knew her from Terrell, near Dallas. She was a school teacher at the same time I was starting a newspaper there. I just can’t think of her name right now, but she was involved in that Alamo standoff. THOMAS MITCHEL CAMPBELL Well I remember her name, because I had some unpleasant meetings with her uncle. She is the granddaughter of Lorenzo De Zavala, the first Texas Vice President. She’s kind of an extremist. I didn’t particularly care for the fuss she caused

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OSCAR COLQUITT Well you know, Thomas, and I’m sure we disagree here too. . . but the Alamo is a symbol we need to re-examine. The Mexican Revolution going on right now in my eyes is an outrageous sacrilege. Thousands are getting killed. The Revolutionary leaders are anti-Christian. Bandits are pouring into South Texas in order to escape the government forces and rival bands. I think if we can’t get the United States military down on our Southern border, Texas itself should engage Mexico militarily again. THOMAS MITCHEL CAMPBELL OK. OK. Our views diverge there as well. But a word to the wise, Oscar. You’ll regret it if you try to act militarily independent of the United States government.

Scene 47: Colquitt visited by De Zavala: 1913 INT. Ideally an office, or place with a desk. Adina enters. OSCAR COLQUITT Good to see you again, Miss De Zavala. I’m glad you wrote us; I was indeed very satisfied with the vote from San Antonio, and was heartened to know of the support afforded by the husbands of your chapter of Texas patriots. ADINA DE ZAVALA It’s a pleasure to see you Governor Colquitt! Comes rushing in. SECRETARY Miss Zavala, I’m very sorry to tell you that a state Senator is squeezing in today, and you will have to wrap this up very quickly. OSCAR COLQUITT We’ll be brief. Secretary leaves in a semi-huff. So Miss De Zavala, why did you leave Terrell? ADINA DE ZAVALA I thought that the need for public education on a grand scale, was more pressing than the need to teach in any particular school.

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OSCAR COLQUITT I admire you Miss De Zavala. I know you cared about the Alamo as a symbol very much--just as I do. We realize from your letter that you no longer administer the Alamo. But what can I do for you? ADINA DE ZAVALA Governor Colquitt I risked my life not to control the Alamo but to preserve it. Everyone thinks that the Chapel is alone the Alamo, but it is a far greater structure that also historically included the Long Barrack. This is the wall William Travis died defending. And this is the wall that needs to be preserved from the current vandals of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas who seek to destroy it!

Scene 48: Colquitt’s Public Hearing: 1913: INT. Hall or Large Parlor. The two groups of women are present except for Florence, Mary, and Jennie. Clara will crash the meeting. SECRETARY The purpose of this Public Hearing is to determine, for the good of the Governor, and the people of Texas, what should be done with the so-called Long-Barrack. We will begin testimony from the state chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. CORNELIA STONE Distinguished Governor Colquitt, and friends of the Alamo. I am shocked to report that the Savior of the Alamo, our beloved Clara Driscoll Sevier is not here yet. Her train was delayed. CORNELIA STONE What I will do is to give a history of the Alamo, as told me by this same remarkable historian, Clara Driscoll Sevier. Pompously, and in a dull expository manner. What is known today as the Alamo dates all the way back to 1718, when a Spanish explorer, named Martin, and I won’t say his last name, because I don’t know how to pronounce it . . . Says this as a joke, but no one laughs. Came and set a priest to work on converting Indians to Christianity in present-day San Antonio. Work on the chapel of this mission began in 1744 with the laying of the

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cornerstone. But the gathering of good stone made the work go slow, and it was only finished fourteen years later. . . Thus the beautiful Chapel we now know as the Alamo appeared in 1758. This was until the roof cracked in 1762, and it caved in! Screen wipe indicates passage of time. Music plays. Thus to this day we have no blueprints for the hideous structure, owned by the Schnitzer grocery. And no reason to suspect it was part of the original site. OSCAR COLQUITT If you look at the Long Barrack, and the quality of the stone, it looks very venerable. When do you believe the Barrack was built? CORNELIA STONE Shuffles around with papers. Oh, I just wish Clara was here. This is ridiculous! We’re pretty sure it was built . . . well by some store that was before Schnitzer. Screen wipe indicating the passage of time SECRETARY Well if there is no further relevant input here from the State Chapter of the DRT . . . Clara Driscoll barges in. CORNELIA STONE Yes there is, there is! The Savior of the Alamo has come just in time! Under her breath Oh this is wonderful, wonderful. Thank you, Clara! Clara Driscoll comes to the lecturn. CLARA DRISCOLL Look, I don’t know exactly what has been said. But I would like to present something you all can see. Presents enlarged photograph of the Schnitzer building abutting against the Convent. Do you see how the Long Barrack here overwhelms and suffocates the lovely Chapel! Do you see how different the Long Barrack appears here in style from the Chapel? Yes there was a convent in San Antonio, but it could not have been such an ugly structure, placed so close to the Chapel. Yes there was a barricade near the Chapel, but the fort

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was a matter of improvisation. This is by contrast an ungainly brick monster that appeared after the Battle of the Alamo, during the days when San Antonio still had much to fear from a Mexican counter-attack, which happened, and from depravations of the Comanche! SECRETARY Do you have any other evidence you wish to present, Mrs. Sevier? CLARA DRISCOLL I would like to say one thing. Texas needs its Alamo. If Schnitzer had sold his building to the Amusement Syndicate, the crumbling Chapel would have become a mere appendage to a new commercial monstrosity that would have replaced the hideous Schnitzer Building. I laid a $75,000 check on the table, and swallowed a $7,500 Option Fee, to save the integrity of the Alamo Chapel. She looks squarely at Adina De Zavala. I am appalled that the same women who were so happy to receive my help in 1905 have since become insensitive to my dream to beautify this hallowed place. I am appalled with the ideas I am hearing, that everything from the old Spanish period of San Antonio needs to be preserved. I am appalled when our true goal, to properly memorialize the brave heroes of the Texas Revolution, is so brutally thrust aside. Some clapping from the State Group. SECRETARY OK, thank you very much Mrs. Sevier, for coming here, all the way from New York City, and indeed all you ladies from the State DRT! Does anyone have any questions? No one does. Very well then, let’s go to the original San Antonio Chapter of the DRT, and hear your story. ADINA DE ZAVALA Honorable Governor Colquitt, and esteemed participants of this hearing, I would like to present to the Governor and the Secretary, copies of a letter in the State Archive by Engineer Green B Jameson to Samuel Houston, commander of the Texas armies on 18 January 1826, a good month before the famous siege of the Alamo. Presents two copies of letter to Secretary and Governor.

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This letter provides a plat of the fort used by the defenders that has the same exact 3 to 1 rectangular proportions of the Long Barrack. Jameson also discusses the placement of an 18-pound canon on these walls. These walls, like the current ones of the Long Barrack were obviously well built to hold a canon on the top. GOVERNOR COLQUITT Staring at the letter. Then putting it aside. Do we have evidence, Miss De Zavala that this structure was a former convent? ADINA DE ZAVALA Yes Governor. I have an ancient letter provided me through the Catholic diocese of San Antonio by one Father Juan Morfi. He writes about the two-story limestone walls of the convent in 1778. This precisely describes the Long Barrack, the first two stories of which, are much better made. And with limestone, probably from the same quarry as the Chapel. A third story to the Long Barrack was added later at some point, probably to stop the Comanche. CARRIE KEMP We know that San Antonio at the end of the Spanish period was an absolute mess. Infighting during the Mexican Revolution decimated the town. They had a terrible flood in 1819. They were robbed by the Comanche. I for one do not trust any documents, forged up by the Catholic Church, that purport to talk about structures that could have been washed away, or left to crumble before 1836. Getting louder. What I would like to know is, who is going to give us an eyewitness account that the Long Barrack was actually the fort defended by William Travis and the Texas heroes in March of 1836? ADINA DE ZAVALA Thank you Mrs. Stone, you are anticipating a witness I would now like to introduce. I would like to call to the podium, one J.W. Darlington, perhaps the oldest, and most continuously residing San Antonio citizen we know of. He is 93 years old, so let’s show him our appreciation, and our best efforts at patience. Some Applause ensues. Mr. J.W. Darlington I was a young man in San Antonio in 1842, six years after Santa Anna besieged the Alamo. The Chapel and Long Barrack were there together. They were surrounded by

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verdant cotton wood trees, their only sentinels. Inside, the walls the mission were black though the wood was not charred. He appears to be losing energy. The black soot was a residue of dead Texians burned by the Mexican army . . .. The Long Barrack was used in the battle and this is where the Mexicans breached the walls. The Texians retreated to the Chapel, where the last Texans were killed. The walls of the Long Barrack . . . were breached several times. SECRETARY Thank you, so much, Mr Darlington, for making the effort to be with us today! How fascinating to have you. I wish we had more to develop a transcript . . . Probably hard of hearing, Darlington interrupts Mr. J.W. Darlington Well one of the most important parts of living back then, is that we had no doctors. When I was little, I had a disease that required me to eat dirt three times a day. . . . It’s a good thing my older brother told me about it. . . . He smiles, and winks. Some laughter. Everyone applauds. Governor comes to the front. OSCAR COLQUITT I want to particularly thank you all for being here, particularly Adina Zavala for the bright light of quality research you have applied to this subject. I know we all have our preferences. And much about the Alamo that remains a dark mystery. How did Davy Crockett die? How many soldiers were there exactly in the fort? How many were foreigners? Though we grapple still in the darkness, one person has elucidated much for me, and this is Miss Adina De Zavala. I thank you for your letters and for finding Mr. Darlington who we ascertained before the meeting is the long-term resident Miss De Zavala claims him to be. I would also like to thank the ladies of the state DRT for their photograph, and for the inestimable work they have done in preserving the larger Alamo complex. Mrs. Sevier, I was not around in 1905, but I thank you for your gracious act and all your patriotic intentions. SECRETARY That’s it ladies, and gentlemen. We thank you all for coming! An overtense, Cornelia rips one of her papers. Carrie Kemp puts hands on head. Ella Godoy rushes to hug De Zavala.

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Scene 49: Anger with the Driscoll Group INT. Parlor. MRS. FLORENCE EAGER Balls up a newspaper with news of Colquitt’s action, and tosses it. Carrie catches it.

Ohh, Another terrible article. No wonder Clara is very upset!

CARRIE KEMP Of course it would have helped if she had taken an earlier train. She was our expert. Un-crumpling the newspaper. I knew Colquitt would do us harm! That demon-rum pusher is so drunk that now he has got the state to spend $5,000 renovating the Long Barrack! MRS. CORNELIA BRANCH STONE, He has a mind of his own, alright. What depresses me is how our San Antonio Law Breaker—Adina De Zavala, has gotten her way. She is the most ruthless Amazon I have ever had to contend with. MRS. FLORENCE EAGER Well ladies, I forgot to tell you that this will be my last meeting. Eleanor Ballinger will be taking over the Alamo Mission Chapter, and I will be stepping down. . . maybe permanently.

Eager peers down at watch in imitation of Clara, as if she must leave soon.

MRS. CORNELIA BRANCH STONE, Why are you leaving us? Your chapter has done such a splendid job of administering the Alamo! MRS. FLORENCE EAGER Well I wanted to tell you this. Clara is so upset that she is not supporting us the way she used to. And I was her friend . . . so . . .

MRS. CORNELIA BRANCH STONE,

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What do you mean? I didn’t think Clara could make meetings in any case. FLORENCE EAGER Well you know Clara, when she wants to support things, she can do it long-distance!

Scene 50: Victory Party at the House of the Zavalas. INT. Daytime if Possible. Around Big Table. Everyone has wine glass except for Adina with coffee. ELLA GODOY Raising a wine glass. First I want to give a toast to our San Antonio Chapter that was never dry!

JENNIE FEY LYTLE

That’s why we have done such crazy things, right Adina?

ADINA DE ZAVALA That’s probably the reason the DRT threw us out! MARY CATHARINE Of course, Adina’s unique, she can get drunk on coffee! Those present, in high spirits in any case, laugh. ELLA GODOY

I just want to say, that Governor Colquitt, as far as I’m concerned made all our efforts worth it. The old convent now being restored by the state as a bone fide part of the Alamo fort. If what is now the one remaining official chapter of the DRT in San Antonio wants to superintend the site let them do it; at least we did our best to make it what it is--the most important historical site in Texas.

JENNIE FEY LYTLE

Wait a minute Ella, should we really give more credit to Governor Colquitt or to my trusty pipe?

ELLA GODOY Laughing.

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O that is true, your pipe deserves a lot of the credit.

ADINA DE ZAVALA Zoom in closeup showing light in eyes, also conveying gratitude to group. We really should give the credit to God though. I just look back at the whole episode and call it a miracle. It’s a miracle we still have our home here on 141 Taylor Street, and, it is a miracle the Alamo still includes its venerable fort. SISTER FLAVIENE Good point, Adina. HENRY Standing and raising a glass: That certainly is the truth, but rather than use a beverage such as this to propose a toast to God, I will propose my toast to Adina De Zavala, our fiery friend who at the very least reminds us of how fortunate one is to be both a Texan and an American. ELLA GODOY Laughing. Hey, yeah, let’s not forget Henry’s help too. Adina created a patriotic supersite without once being arrested! JOHN WILLIAMS

Standing and raising his glass as well.

Yes Adina . . . here, here. . . I will make my toast with grape juice, and for that reason, I hope you all know it is all the more serious —may Adina De Zavala’s second siege of the Alamo, Texas’ own Thermopylae--reminiscent of Sparta’s ancient stand against the Persians, remind us yet again of our shared heritage.

Everyone in scene says “here, here,” and clicks glasses.

SCENE 51: EPILOGUE Text on Screen toggles or concurs with clips of previous film starring appropriate personalities. No digetic audio. Non-Digetic Narrator reads:

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Could show Adina Zavala making one of her pitches in scenes 10 or 30, or . . . Adina de Zavala died in 1955 after authoring several books and articles on Texas history. She worked on several projects after being severed from the DRT: preserving Spanish mission sites, encouraging the proliferation of China Roses that her grandfather Lorenzo first brought to Texas, and promoting the naming of Texas schools after Texas heroes. She remained single throughout her life. In her last years her vision declined because of cataracts, and she ended life in a wheelchair. She deeded all 100,000 dollars of her estate, mainly held in property, to the Incarnate Word Academy a Roman Catholic College. Could show Clara speaking with passion in scenes 21 or 48 or? Clara and Henry Sevier left New York for Austin in 1914. They became the vanguard jazz- age couple of Texas. They initiated the Austin-American Statesman. Their home, Laguna Gloria, became a destination for influential visitors. In the 1930s, Henry championed Franklin Roosevelt and gained an ambassadorship to Chile. But Clara supported her fellow south Texan, Vice President, John Nance Garner. In 1937, the couple divorced, and Clara discarded the name, Sevier, to be known again as ‘Clara Driscoll’. Newspapers still called her “the Savior of the Alamo.” She moved back to Corpus Christi, where she, like her father before her, continued as an influential civic leader. She died in 1945. Feature a scene showing Lanham in scene 16. Governor Lanham and State Representative, Sam Ealy Johnson both leveraged the generosity of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas to become minor saviors of the Alamo. Sam Ealy Johnson was the father of later President Lyndon Baines Johnson. Lanham was one of several early governors who spent at least part of their lives in the area of Northeast Texas between the Red and Sabine rivers. Others included Oran Roberts, and Oscar Colquitt, featured in this film, and: Hardin Runnels (1857-59), Pendleton Murrah (1863-65), Jim Hogg 1891-1895, and Charles Culberson 1895-99. Feature a scene showing Colquitt from scene 46 or 47. Oscar Colquitt failed in his effort to become a Senator in 1916. He became a Dallas business leader, and died in 1940. His Pittsburg Gazette, now the oldest business in Pittsburg, perseveres today as the key news source in Camp County. The segment below could replay the scene of Adina and Clara outside the Alamo Chapel in scene 15, and show the following image in at the last half of the narrative:

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Alamo: Driscoll’s view that the Long Barrack itself impaired the beauty of the chapel drove her to punish Colquitt for his decision to save the Long Barrack. She and her allies did convince Lieutenant Governor William Harding Mayes, of Brown County to destroy the Long Barrack’s second story and detach it from the Chapel when Colquitt was off on a business trip. Driscoll also worked overtime for Colquitt’s defeat in 1916. Though shortened, the Long Barrack remains an outstanding feature of the Alamo today thanks to Adina De Zavala. Today the site also includes three additional modern buildings, sporting a gift shop, an amphitheater, and exhibit. The segment below may replay a scene showing Driscoll, Stone, Eager, and Kemp. Scene 45. The Daughters of the Republic of Texas never lost their reputation for internal feuding. Part of their problem involved the ominous demands involved with administering one of the world’s major tourist attractions. Partially as a result, they were permanently divested of their right to control the Alamo in 2015. Governor Rick Perry tried to keep it in their hands, but later governor, Gregg Abbott as the Texas Attorney General, made a critical investigation of the DRT. Perry signed the bill that ended the administrative lease of the DRT over the Alamo. Today the State of Texas both owns and operates the site—more particularly the Texas Land Commission, headed by George P. Bush, the son of Presidential candidate, Jeb Bush.

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